The idea that life can be, or should be, art, is self-evidently problematic.
It can be an appealing concept, and echoes historical perspectives of every sort. Some will atttibute the idea to the Beats, to the Black Mountain College, to Walter Pater and the Aesthetic Movement, or to any number of schools of thought reaching back to the Renaissance, and beyond that, to the Epicureans.
Given its rich history and broad scope, it is nonetheless an intensely subjective perspective, and difficult to reconcile with the vicissitudes of life. It is one of many aspects of a vision of existence, sometimes fitting, sometimes untenable.
Nor should it be confused with the art of living well, and with fullness of purpose, regardless of circumstance or external challenges.
What is undeniable is that an artistic and creative point of view may realize the products of the imagination in concrete form, and in doing so establish a foundation for realities yet to come.
It can be an appealing concept, and echoes historical perspectives of every sort. Some will atttibute the idea to the Beats, to the Black Mountain College, to Walter Pater and the Aesthetic Movement, or to any number of schools of thought reaching back to the Renaissance, and beyond that, to the Epicureans.
Given its rich history and broad scope, it is nonetheless an intensely subjective perspective, and difficult to reconcile with the vicissitudes of life. It is one of many aspects of a vision of existence, sometimes fitting, sometimes untenable.
Nor should it be confused with the art of living well, and with fullness of purpose, regardless of circumstance or external challenges.
What is undeniable is that an artistic and creative point of view may realize the products of the imagination in concrete form, and in doing so establish a foundation for realities yet to come.
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