"Art always opts for the individual, the concrete; art is not Platonic"
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Jorge Luis Borges' quote, "Art constantly selects the individual, the concrete; art is not Platonic", shows a profound consideration of the nature of art in relation to Platonic perfects. Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, presumed the theory of kinds, recommending that the physical world is however a shadow of a greater, immutable truth comprised of perfect forms. In his view, the tangible world is imperfect and short-term, while the world of types represents true, abstract excellence.
Borges' assertion that "art is not Platonic" recommends a departure from this philosophical structure. Instead of sticking to abstract notions of fact or charm, art is concerned with the individual and the concrete. This is to say that art manifests itself through specific experiences, emotions, and point of views that are imbued with idiosyncrasies and singularities. Unlike the Platonic ideal, which looks for universality and abstraction, art celebrates individuality and the specific qualities of each topic.
Borges thinks that art is wedded to the truth of the private and the tangible world. It handles the particular, the personal, and the subjective, grounding itself in the untidy, often inconsistent experiences of human life. Each artwork is an analysis that shows the distinct vision of its developer and connects with the unique point of views of its audience. This focus on uniqueness enables art to resonate on an individual level, stimulating feelings and triggering reflection customized to each observer's own experiences and contexts.
Furthermore, by describing art as concrete, Borges highlights its direct engagement with the material world. Art is not merely a reflection of idealized principles however is deeply rooted in physicality, aiming to catch and express the nuanced complexities of real life. The concreteness of art uses a counter to the abstraction of Platonic thought, suggesting that through its tangible medium, art can communicate truths about the human condition that abstract philosophy may neglect or simplify.
In highlighting the private and the concrete, Borges positions art as a domain that focuses on individual experience and product reality over abstract perfects, commemorating the abundant tapestry of human presence in its diverse kinds.
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