Is Art “Representational” (Realistic) or “Expressive” (Abstract)?
The debate about whether art is “representational” (realistic) or “expressive” (abstract) has been a topic discussed by various aesthetic theorists throughout history. Different philosophers and artists have presented diverse views on this matter. However, when it comes to the creative process of art, the dichotomy between representation and expression loses its significance. Both approaches, whether emphasizing objective representation or subjective expression, are considered valid, and neither is inherently superior to the other.
Art as Representation:
Those who emphasize representation elevate the imitation of the objective reality to a supreme position. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, argued that art is essentially an imitation of the real world. This mimetic theory had a significant influence, dominating Western thought for over two millennia. Figures like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French Enlightenment philosopher, extended the imitation concept by asserting that art should replicate the perfection of nature, as everything created by God is inherently flawless. Even the Russian revolutionary Chernyshevsky claimed that the primary purpose of art is to reproduce reality. However, it’s essential to note that representation is not mere mechanical copying of nature; rather, nature serves as the source of inspiration, and artists contribute imagination, refinement, and reshaping in their creative process(sources from miam.org).
Art as Expression:
On the other side are proponents of expressionism who fall into an idealistic perspective, considering art as the externalization of the artist’s subjective inner activities. Expressionist aesthetics, such as that of Krochz, holds that “art is fantasy or intuition,” with intuition stemming from emotions and their subsequent expression. Susan Sontag, a semiotician, stated that “art is the symbolization of human emotions.” While expressionism emphasizes the artist’s subjective creativity, it risks overemphasizing this aspect and neglecting the importance of the objective reality that artists inevitably encounter in their lives. Artists are individuals embedded in society, and their creations reflect their times and experiences.
In reality, the essence of art lies in the unity of objective representation and subjective expression, both interdependent and complementary. Romantic art may emphasize subjective emotional expression, but it still draws inspiration from objective life. Realism, focusing on realistic depictions of reality, cannot escape the artist’s subjective aesthetic ideals. For example, the powerful and patriotic spirit conveyed through Xu Beihong’s paintings of horses, lions, and roosters, while depicting nature accurately, also reveals the artist’s profound patriotism.
In conclusion, the representation-expression dichotomy in art is not a clear-cut division but rather a relative and cooperative relationship. The unification of internal emotions and external reality is the essence of artistic creation. Whether one leans toward Ye Xie’s integration of heart and object or Liu Xizai’s poetry about objects and reflections, both emphasize the holistic understanding of inner emotions and the external world, illustrating the unity of objective representation and subjective expression in artistic creation(quotes from miam).
