An artist knows that beauty creates an atmosphere that contributes to elevating a person from an animal state to a humane being. However, the beauty of form must not be empty, hollow, as the power of beauty can be used for seduction, for masking weaknesses or corruption of character in a world that only indulges in the sensuality of forms. Isn’t this one of the characteristics of decadence in many historical moments that have marked the end of a certain time or civilization? We remember the period of Tel-Amarna in Egypt, the decadence of Rococo, and witness the cult of the body in our time.
For beauty to be alive and a faithful reflection of the sublime spirit, it must be a natural outcome of inner beauty. Forms must have a soul, content. The art that surrounds a person should be a bridge to the nobility and kindness of feelings and ideas, therefore these qualities must be present from the very beginning, obvious in the work. Otherwise, the seductiveness of form will enchant and captivate the unsuspecting human being with a growing need for sensual pleasure. Man is the
Inclination towards extremes can lead to being trapped in abundance because pleasure sometimes captivates us just as pain and fear do. Therefore, as in everything else, in beauty, only the sublime individual can truly be free.
We can say that for the true beauty of an artistic work, it is not only the harmonious relationship of the composition’s parts that deserves credit, but also the presence of a beautiful and noble soul that breathes life into it, a subtle force that is expressed through it, a being that gives it life. Plotinus beautifully expressed this in his Sixth Ennead: Even here below, beauty is found more in the light that illuminates symmetry than in symmetry itself. That is what gives allure.
Beautiful forms without a noble soul are enchanting sirens that, as in the Odyssey, halt the journey towards achieving one’s own ideal. Therefore, we should seek simple and serious beauty that does not conceal but reveals a pure and upright spirit, which, through art, teaches man to appreciate authenticity and nobility. When we are drawn to an object, a piece of music, or a song that awakens our true admiration, in addition to recognizing its formal beauty, we also experience the recognition of the invisible essence whose uniqueness is in harmony with us, with our inner need, with our personal characteristics. Despite their beauty, we do not include many things and works in our life. Their style does not match our current state or the characteristics of our being. It does not reflect a life experience that would be in line with ours.
Style is a way of artistic expression in time. It is born from the echoes of historical times and resonates in the personalities of its artists, its “instruments” that give “color” and “tone” to inspiration. An artist in some way needs to connect with the inner needs of their people and their time.
Art is created by humans and – for humans; therefore, it should always consider the internal harmony of the human being, its structure, its patterns, its psychological reality, language. The imagery, mental images, and its culture. Otherwise, it is not useful as a transfer element because it is not aligned with the receiving end it is intended for in any aspect. However, when there is true harmony among them, it leads to a proper connection of art with the human soul, with the soul of time. Nevertheless, neither the artist nor the art can be slaves to their historical reality, but they must have a certain rebellious component because their aim is not to adapt to humans but to reshape them, enabling them to rise towards the unattainable. While relying on a specific time and culture, art is a catalyst that triggers and outlines future realities since it aspires to the ideal, like a bridge aiming for the other shore. Like a bridge, it unites old and new times, historical reality and the dreamed Ideal, so that through it, human hopes could travel towards one shore, and the messages of the Muses towards the other. Whether in the past or in the future, his development is at risk. This is precisely one of the main issues of our time, the excessive focus on materialism, the widespread dissemination of media communication, financial, technical, and other means that seek to justify their existence, and ultimately begin to control man, turning him into a commodity and then leaving him at the mercy of the means he himself created, without proper guidance. This leads, for example, to the paradox that man is in the service of the economy or politics, instead of them being in the service of man.
The humanistic purpose should be the culmination of all humane activities, the link that unites all directions of action. And as we have seen so far, art cannot be exempt from this need. The ultimate and fundamental purpose of art can be nothing other than contributing to the complete realization of man, both individual and collective. This realization is only possible if it encourages the best and noblest in man, which will stimulate the development of human poten The entirety contained within our nature. Therefore, art should not only be a means of expression but a way of expressing something that has purpose. We can truly speak about art only when we transcend mere material needs or usefulness and bestow upon objects a certain beauty whose purpose will be aesthetic pleasure or a contained message.
For an artist, whether a creator or an interpreter, the purpose of art is revealed, among other things, through a well-executed work, through the process of transformation and inner purification of the artist himself. It is precisely in the process of creating and giving birth to an artistic work that the greatest treasure and wealth are found, not so much in the finished work that will be offered to the world.
The two movements of the soul described by the neoplatonist Plotinus, organization and contemplation, bring the soul to develop will over matter (organization) and to elevate consciousness towards aesthetic realms (contemplation). In this ascending-descending channel, the alchemical mysteries of art manifest. For those who When contemplating or enjoying a piece of art, the purpose can be understood in aesthetic pleasure and in ethical message. Aesthetic enjoyment is manifested as a pleasant “sensation” of the soul that is recognized in beauty. The ethical message leads us towards revelation, towards life-giving truth. The power of communication that art possesses transforms it into true art in proportion to the message it conveys.
Art, therefore, through its purpose, cultivates in a person the sense of beauty which, as it develops, enriches character and customs, deepens understanding, and makes behavior dignified. Art will thus lead a person to the best within them, revealing the secret through illumination. And it is precisely this vertical dimension of raising consciousness that determines the purpose of art. Creativity and artistic expression arise from the encounter of two directions, two factors: from the ability to master material and from the message and its depth. Thus, the creative cross of art is formed: the horizontal line with its countless forms showing. The arts offer us multiple expressions, encompassing various fields. Countless paths can emerge from it, bringing us new creative possibilities in the evolution of life. We can perceive a vertical line as the potential for ascent to the highest state or descent to the lowest, most basic level.
If a work of art brings us down to raw and coarse elements that awaken the most primal and instinctive aspects of humanity, we cannot speak of art because its true purpose is lost. But when a work of art elevates us, it expresses an ascending power that lifts us to subtle realms where we can touch higher levels of consciousness. When beauty of form, depth, and sublime content converge in a work of art, it is complete, regardless of the creative act through which it was achieved.
Sensitivity to Beauty
It is clear that we do not all share the same tastes or the same sensitivity to our surroundings. There are many factors influencing our differences, but undoubtedly culture plays a significant role. The individual, both broadly and narrowly defined, plays a crucial role in shaping their aesthetic preferences. In order to recognize beauty, it is essential for our inner light to illuminate us. If a work of art fails to elicit a response in a sensitive and alert individual, enriched with cultural and aesthetic elements, then nothing will touch or move them. This inner richness and sensitivity are the result of a habit of internalization that does not allow anything that can teach us something to go unnoticed. This internal dialogue with oneself awakens the eye of the soul, which does not merely observe superficially but sees everything that life and nature can reveal to us. Conscious attention, contemplation, or reflection awaken inner resonances which, in a world of contradictions where the sublime and the mundane intertwine, can recognize the most beautiful, the most just, and the best. This is a process through which the soul learns to navigate the sea of matter.
Factors that shape our aesthetic tastes are connected to our personal culture, education, daily selection of emotions, and our upbringing. In our conversations, in our daily occupations. In short, with the atmosphere, intimate and public, that we feed on day by day. The development of our humane potential, especially the virtues of the soul, allows us a growing ability to recognize and choose the best. A good person, sensitive to truth, goodness, and justice, is necessarily receptive to beauty. The outlines of our interests, our deepest personalities, and the drivers of our behavior are formed throughout life, in line with our choices and assessments and the nourishment we give to our soul in the form of culture, ideas, feelings, and habits. All of this largely determines the responses we give to what surrounds us, including responses to art and beauty that represent us to humanity and the world. It is a process, and to the extent that we are awakened from within, we will transcend the sensuality of the senses that enjoy forms to delight in the soul, which surrenders to beauty as essence.
Pleasure arises from fulfilling our inclinations. The pursuit of pleasure is determined by our. It all depends on our natural inclinations and moods. Our “desires” determine whether we will strive for animal, human, or “divine” pleasures. We readily pay attention to what interests us. This predisposition, this accustomed sensitivity to something, enables us to quickly recognize things that interest us, while otherwise perception is lacking. When something interests us or appeals to us, it captures our attention and admiration. When such interest is not aroused within us, we do not recognize it as desirable or special.
The quest for satisfaction is innate to humans but can gradually elevate from seeking pleasant sensory sensations to emotional contentment and the need for soul fulfillment. What brings pleasure to the soul? Plato states that it is everything that aligns with its nature and uplifts it, reminding it of its celestial origin, namely the Just, Good, and Beautiful.
Sometimes, an artistic piece does not evoke solely beautiful and pleasant feelings in us that we could associate with the feeling of beauty. Artwork can evoke admiration, wonder, awe, or even touch our emotions and ideas in a way that shakes us from lethargy. Therefore, a true piece of art is essentially a transmitter, but for it to truly enrich a person, it needs to be discussed. Its beauty lies in the harmony between the feelings and ideas that intertwine (as in a theatrical performance), leaving a lasting impression on human consciousness, elevating the human being towards something greater than themselves. The beauty of the parts that come together in importance is greatly surpassed by the sublime beauty of the impression left on the soul of the artist and those who contemplate the work. It inspires and uplifts us towards the dignity of our own humane nature. This is how the height of art lies precisely in what it is directed towards, whether it exalts the crudest or noblest part of a human, be it sensations, feelings, or thoughts. When the soul contemplates, it recognizes what belongs to it. Aesthetic education Therefore, the journey of awakening a dormant soul is a path; such education is possible and necessary. Art transforms into a profound aspiration of philosophy because whoever contemplates a true work of art is reconstituting themselves through it, awakening the philosopher within, adding great spiritual depth to the pleasure and happiness of contemplating beauty.
The inner self of a person can be enriched by order and clarity, creativity and harmony, kindness and humanity, but at the same time, chaos, ignorance, selfishness, and darkness can reign within. It is clear that an orderly and illuminated inner universe enables us to perceive the order and harmony in the external world more clearly. Therefore, genuine education should not be merely conceptual and rational but should refine the soul and prepare it to embrace beauty, enabling not only its recognition but also its recreation in words, actions, and thoughts.
When the light of beauty touches the visible aspect of a human, it manifests as elegance. When it reflects in their actions, it is civility.
As sensitivity to art awakens, one develops their own aesthetic criteria. The fact is that most people lack it, simply surrendering to fashion trends. This is visible in clothing, architecture, music, decoration, etc. Having criteria means having the freedom of choice, but freedom is not possible in darkness or blindness. Personal criteria emerge when we have aligned ideas and feelings rooted in a comprehensive, thoughtful, and embraced vision that deeply moves us. Freedom can only be achieved through knowledge and discovering one’s inner reality.
Throughout our lives, various opportunities for gaining experiences it provides, as well as the imprints it leaves on our personality and soul; then the effort we put into awakening our true nature sensitive to profound values; and that mysterious seal that our Being carries with it – perhaps even with Through our pilgrimages in past lives – all of that will be the source of our aesthetic criteria, its nuances and inclinations, in short, our receptivity to beauty and artistic message in its various forms of manifestation.
Our consciousness can elevate by listening to Bach or evoke nostalgia through Chopin’s nocturnes. It can feel grandeur in front of the temple in Karnak or love in Pablo Neruda’s poem… but it can also plummet into dark resonances of morbidity. Within us lie all possible universes, and our consciousness moves through them, either giving life or suffering, constructing a human reality that seeks to transcend its animal heritage. This ability of human consciousness to rise or fall leads us to the necessary Will that keeps us in the realm of good and has the determination to steer us away from all that is negative. Through practicing and utilizing this higher Will, inner freedom and power over oneself are born.
From the habit of elevated consciousness, or at least consciousness immersed in noble, righteous Oh, how beautiful, an unexpected opportunity arises to acquire experiences related to art and beauty. Behind the beauty of form, beautiful poetry, musical expression, or a slender temple portico, there are doors of divine mystery, reserved for those who have passed through the gates of their immortal soul.
Visits to museums and art galleries, theaters and concerts, ancient cities, and poetry itself represent a balm for our stress-filled and competitive lives. Art brings back our lost peace. Art, as an eternally renewing aspiration towards beauty, represents hope and refuge for awakened souls – when they see how the world is rushing into madness and absurdity, when they discover the few answers given because of human need for truth and encounter the little human warmth that is revealed in response to their need to love.
The Greek word aletheia is translated as “truth” or “unconcealment.”