Single Idea 23934

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / B. Nature of Art / 4. Art as Expression]

Full Idea

If art expresses anything, it expresses an emotion felt for pure form and that which gives pure form its extraordinary significance.

Gist of Idea

The only expression art could have is the emotion resulting from pure form

Source

Clive Bell (Art [1913], III.I)

Book Reference

Bell,Clive: 'Art' [nk 2010], p.48


A Reaction

I don't think 'expresses' is the right word here. Artists express, but works just transmit. I personally doubt whether anything can have 'extraordinary significance' simply because it expresses one particular emotion. Why art, but not geometry?