From The Opinion Pages of
The New York Times, “What Art Unveils” analyzes what art is, why it matters,
and what it tells us about ourselves. As a philosopher and writer, Alva Noë’s
work on perception and consciousness is the foundation for his thoughts on art.
Through his contradictory opinions, captivating perspective, and applicable
examples, he effectively explains how art unveils us ourselves.
He
begins by discussing the approach to art, acknowledging the common idea that
the key to answering questions is through neuroscience. Opposing this, Noë
concludes that “neuroscience has yet to frame an adequate conception of our
nature”. He explains that our biological nature cannot explain art and its
place in our lives and instead moves in a different direction stating, “Art can
help us frame a better picture of our human nature”. Through this contradictory
configuration, Noë’s disagreement to the speculations of others engages the
audience in understanding his philosophical ideas. Following this, he introduces
his perspective of what art unveils: a way of learning about ourselves. He
explains that artists make stuff “not because the stuff they make is special in
itself”, but because “making stuff is special for us”. As a making activity, it
reveals our nature. Noë explains this concept by comparing and contrasting an
example of an everyday object: a doorknob. As something that is plain looking
and does not puzzle us, it is taken for granted. Art, in contrast, “disrupts
plain looking” and “discloses just what plain looking conceals”. This example
displays how art disrupts our habitual activities and makes us anew, by
displaying us to ourselves.
By contradicting
common ideas and simple examples, he is able to explain his complex perspective
on what art unveils. His insights throughout this editorial introduce new ideas
to readers interested in art. Expanding on how art unveils us ourselves, he
presents a fascinating, abstract philosophical standpoint.
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