Prater
Art evokes different things in different people. What is trying to be gleaned or understood is usually at the crux of these suppositions. However, in order that any type of understanding is reacted upon, one must first realize that art is only what is seen through one’s own eyes. And, if any conclusion is come to, temperament or an emotional pull toward that piece of art must be present. Walter Prater said, “What is important, then, is not that the critic should possess a correct abstract definition of beauty for the intellect, but a certain kind of temperament, the power of being deeply moved by the presence of beautiful objects” (Prater 1) So, according to Prater, understanding is definitively a question of emotional appeal. Accordingly, I feel that understanding art is more an emotional appeal than an intellectual one. Alongside this, one must also only take into account one’s own feelings.
“What do I think?” This question is usually the first of many questions that the individual trying to conceptualize art will have. When I first heard “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, it was hard to put my thoughts into an ascertainable concept. I couldn’t connect the words with a picture. My opinion changed when I saw the video. I cried. This song is about the end of time and man’s part in the destruction of earth. When listening to the song, one feels empty, and shockingly upset. When connecting the words to the video, it is violently moving.
Gray 2
The images are reminiscent of a Salvadore Dali painting in that they run and melt
into the landscape. My fiancé, on the other hand, thinks that Soundgarden is possibly the worst band on earth. He feels that the lead singer, in particular, can’t sing a note. Two intelligent people with totally different perspectives on the same work of art. In the application of Prater’s thesis, one can come to the conclusion that I am eyeing this piece of art on my own...
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