In the book ‘The Nature of Beauty’ it is clear that the ancient Greek philosopher and pupil of Plato, Aristotle saw all art as representations. However, unlike Plato, Aristotle believed that art is not working against the truth but with it to relay qualities of human nature. Aristotle was very fond of poetry and drama and believed that art in poetry does not represent words but things that potentially could be. Aristotle also thought the part of art that is representational gives us pleasure. Is this because we see something familiar in the art work and this allows us to relate to the art? He believed that through art we can enjoy things that would be unpleasant if they were real. Is this saying that because something is in art form it detaches us so much from the moment captured in the artwork that what would be ugly in reality seems beautiful to us in the art?
When referring to dance, Aristotle speaks of “mimesis in the medium of rhythm.” My interpretation of this is that a dance is representing an emotion, not to imitate it, but to embody it and bring forth this emotion in the viewer’s eyes.
My impression when reading Aristotle is that, like Plato he sees art as an attempt to cop reality, but unlike his teacher, he believes that art has potential to enhance and enlighten the viewers experience of the things that are represented in art.
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