Maddy Morrison
“No artist has ethical sympathies. An ethical sympathy in an artist is an unpardonable mannerism of style”
I partially disagree with the aphorism, “No artist has ethical sympathies. An ethical sympathy in an artist is an unpardonable mannerism of style.”. Majority of art is deeply thoughtful and reflects what an artist believes to be moral, as well as what message they would like to convey. As well as reflecting ideas which they are passionate about. While it is about ideals such as imagination or beauty, most artists due have a message they would like to show the world through their art. However, this is not to say that they are looking to push their ideas on the audience.
When artists portray messages through art, they often do so in a tactful and subtle rather than than outright stating their opinion. Often intentionally done so, especially if their opinion is more controversial or challenges societal norms of the period. For example, both The Man With the Hoe and Picture of Dorian Grey’s pieces convey controversial and taboo messages without explicitly stating them in their art work.
I also disagree with the second half of the statement “an ethical sympathy in an artist is an unpardonable mannerism of style”. Wilde suggests that when the artist tries to portray a message or idea the artwork becomes forced or fake. I don’t believe this woukd cause the artwork to become in-genuine, forced, or fake and can rather be a useful tool in trying to express an idea. It has the ability to hold a lot of power and influence on society, in a way different than usual, often allowing people to see messages they may have be previously familiar with a different outlook.
“All art is at once surface and symbol”
I agree with Wilde’s aphorism, “all art is at once surface and symbol”. With the aphorism he is depicting how art is at once both surface level and symbolic. This means that it has the beauty and/or message which you will directly see when looking, listening, or reading the artwork; but there is also a deeper meaning. The art work is able to be appreciated at both levels, but often the message portrayed or feelings evoked from the deeper meaning of the poem is the driving force and aim behind the painting. When studying art, you are taught how to express a message through your work often using hidden symbols such as colors, actions, or elements of nature; that give it deeper meaning. The idea is to create something that people can enjoy for its surface level beauty, even if they don’t recognize the message behind it.