Single Idea 23931

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / B. Nature of Art / 2. Art as Form]

Full Idea

My view that the essential quality in work of art is significant form was based on experience I am sure about. Of my view that significant form is the expression of a peculiar emotion felt for reality I am far from confident.

Gist of Idea

Significant form is the essence of art, which I believe expresses an emotion about reality

Source

Clive Bell (Art [1913], II.II)

Book Reference

Bell,Clive: 'Art' [nk 2010], p.36


A Reaction

It is hard to understand the idea of 'significant' form without a clear proposal for the nature of the significance. A detective doesn't stop at the point where evidence is seen as significant. Why should a 'peculiar' emotion matter?