"Art need no longer be an account of past sensations. It can become the direct organization of more highly evolved sensations. It is a question of producing ourselves, not things that enslave us"
- Angela Carter
About this Quote
Angela Carter's quote challenges standard ideas of art and its role in society. Historically, art has frequently been seen as a medium to document or reflect upon previous experiences and experiences, tethered to a representation of history or previous human emotions. Nevertheless, Carter presumes a transformational view, recommending that art transcends simple recreation of past experiences and can actively participate in shaping and organizing new, more evolved sensory experiences.
The phrase "art need no longer be an account of past feelings" implies that art should not be restricted to being a historical ledger. Instead, it can break free from such constraints to engage with the present and future actively. Art, in Carter's view, is not passive documents however an active individual in human advancement, efficient in affecting and changing understandings.
Her assertion that art can end up being "the direct organization of more extremely developed sensations" implies a role for art beforehand human awareness. This reflects a belief in art's transformative power, suggesting that through art, humans can access more complex, refined, and advanced experiences and emotions. This development in experience lines up with a broader progression of mankind towards a more nuanced understanding of self and society.
Finally, Carter's emphasis on "producing ourselves, not things that enslave us" frames art as a method of personal and collective emancipation. This suggests a departure from materialism and a movement towards self-actualization through artistic expression. Rather of developing art that reinforces societal norms or consumerist culture, Carter pictures art as an effective tool in the journey towards self-discovery and liberty from societal restraints.
In conclusion, Carter's quote welcomes us to reconsider the function and power of art. It's a call to utilize art as a tool for individual growth and societal advancement, pressing the boundaries of sensory and emotional experience, and cultivating higher freedom and understanding.
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