Summary:
The development of art historical theory has never been in isolation. It has a long history and contains the influence and interweaving of multiple factors such as culture, philosophy and society. In this field, the contribution of Ernst Hans Gombrich is undoubtedly significant. As one of the most influential art historians of the 20th century, Gombrich's criticism and construction of art theory has been discussed and researched throughout the academic community.
I. Introduction
Gombrich's work encompasses art history, art theory, and inspiration for artistic practice. But he is best known for his book The Story of Art, which was many people's first guide to art, translated into dozens of languages and widely circulated around the world. In this book, Gombrich expounds the history of art from ancient times to modern times in clear and understandable language, not only analyzing the artwork itself, but also analyzing the cultural, social, and historical background behind it.
However, Gombrich's influence goes far beyond that. His theoretical perspectives and critical thinking also occupy an important place in the study of contemporary art. In such a challenging and transformative time, we need to examine traditions, challenge authority, and explore new theoretical frameworks to better understand the nature and role of art. Therefore, this dissertation aims to delve into Gombrich's art theory, find inspiration from his criticism and construction, and provide new ideas and perspectives for contemporary art research.
II. Gombrich's Critique of Theory
A. Criticism of Western traditional ideas
In Gombrich's theory of art, he offers a profound critique of traditional Western ideas, especially against the Hegelian system and its schools, as well as the views of cultural relativism.
A critique of the Hegelian system and the Hegelian school
Gombrich's critique of the Hegelian system and its schools focused on the understanding of historical development and the nature of art. In Hegel's view, art is the expression of the spirit, part of the historical process, and its development proceeds according to the law of necessity. Gombrich, however, has a different view. He believes that the development of art is not an inevitable historical process, but is influenced and restricted by various factors. Art is not a single, linear development, but a pluralistic and complex. Therefore, Gombrich criticized Hegel's view of simplification and materialization of art history, and proposed a more complex and pluralistic view of art history.
In addition, Gombrich also criticized the Hegelian understanding of artistic creation. The Hegelian school believed that the artist is a mystical medium of inspiration, and that his creation is a spiritual expression that transcends individual consciousness. However, Gombrich argues that artistic creation is not completely detached from individual consciousness, but is influenced by individual experience and social environment. He emphasized the rational component of artistic creation, and believed that artists consciously choose and use various artistic means to express their emotions and thoughts in the process of creation.
A critique of cultural relativism
Cultural relativism asserts that all cultures have their own unique values and meanings, and that there are no absolute artistic standards and value judgments. Gombrich, however, is critical of this. He believes that although there are differences between different cultures, the core values of art are universal and transcend cultural differences. The aesthetic value of art can be rationally considered and objectively judged, not just the expression of subjective emotions. Therefore, Gombrich criticized the over-subjectivization and ism-based view of art by cultural relativism, and advocated the recognition of the objectivity and universality of art.
B. Critical inheritance of traditional art theory
While criticizing traditional art theories, Gombrich also carried out a critical inheritance, that is, on the basis of criticizing traditional concepts, he put forward new theoretical views and methods.
A critical inheritance of Riegel's art theory
Riegel's art theory emphasizes the originality and purity of art, and believes that art is a pure spiritual expression, a transcendence and liberation from the real world. Gombrich, however, is critical of this. He believes that art is not completely detached from reality, but is closely related to the real world. The aesthetic value of art lies not only in its purity, but also in its reflection and interpretation of reality. Therefore, Gombrich criticized the aesthetic tendencies of Riegel's art theory and proposed a rethinking of the relationship between art and reality.
A critical inheritance of Wolflin's art theory
Wolflin's art theory emphasizes the creativity and imagination of the individual artist, and believes that artistic creation is completely determined by individual consciousness. Gombrich, however, is critical of this. He believes that artistic creation is not completely detached from society and history, but is restricted and influenced by various factors. The artist's creation is carried out in a certain historical and social context, and his individual consciousness is not isolated. Thus, Gombrich criticized the individualistic tendencies of Wolflin's art theory and proposed a rethinking of the relationship between the artist and society.
III. Gombrich's Theoretical Construction
A. The relationship between the artist, the viewer and the artwork
The idea of the Artist Center
In exploring the relationship between artists and works of art, Gombrich makes an important critique and construction of traditional ideas. Traditionally, artists are seen as creators, with their individual creativity and imagination emphasized, while artworks are seen as products of their creations, reflecting the emotions and thoughts of the individual artist. Gombrich, however, makes a more complex and fleshed out view. He believes that the artist's creation is not only an expression of individual consciousness, but also influenced by society and history. Artists are not isolated individuals in the process of creation, but are in a certain historical and social background, and are restricted and influenced by various factors. Therefore, Gombrich advocates placing the artist in a broader context, fully understanding its relationship with society and culture, as well as its place and role in the artistic tradition.
Take into account the position of the viewer and the artwork
At the same time, Gombrich emphasises the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. He believes that artwork is not only an expression of the artist's individual consciousness, but also a product of communication and interaction with the viewer. The meaning and value of a work of art are not fixed, but are constantly being constructed and reshaped through the participation and interpretation of the viewer. Therefore, Gombrich advocates placing the viewer in the process of analysis and interpretation of the artwork, taking into account his subjective feelings and cultural background, as well as his understanding and evaluation of the artwork.
B. Dialectical determinism and historical selectivity
A critique of mechanical determinism
In Gombrich's theory, he critiques mechanical determinism. Mechanistic determinism holds that historical development proceeds according to a mechanical and inevitable law, and that human behavior and choices are conditioned and determined by objective conditions. However, Gombrich argues that mechanical determinism ignores human consciousness and subjective initiative, overemphasizes the decisive role of objective conditions in historical development, and ignores human choice and creation. He believes that historical development is a process full of contradictions and struggles, in which human behavior and choices play an important role, and are not merely passively influenced by objective conditions.
The importance of dialectical determinism
Gombrich put forward the dialectical determinist view, emphasizing the importance of contradictions and struggles in the development of history. He believes that historical development is not a single, linear process, but is full of various contradictions and conflicts, which are constantly developing and changing in the interaction of these contradictions and conflicts. Therefore, Gombrich advocates viewing history as a dialectical process, taking into account the contradictions and struggles in it, as well as the choices and creations of human beings in it.
The contrast between "historical selectivity" and "historical determinism".
In Gombrich's theory, he proposed the concept of "historical selectivity", which contrasted with traditional "historical determinism". Historical determinism holds that historical development proceeds according to an inevitable law, and that human behavior and choices are determined by objective conditions. Gombrich argues, however, that history is not an inevitable process, but is full of possibilities and choices. In the process of historical development, human behavior and choices play an important role, determining the direction and outcome of history. Thus, Gombrich argues for history as a selective process, emphasizing human agency and creativity in it.
IV. The reaction between the subjective initiative of the viewer and the social consciousness
A. The subjective initiative of the viewer
In Gombrich's art theory, the subjective agency of the viewer is given an important place. He believes that the viewer does not passively accept the meaning and value of the artwork, but interacts and communicates with the artwork through subjective interpretation and perception. The subjective initiative of the viewer is reflected in the following aspects:
Subjectivity of interpretation and perception: Each viewer has their own unique life experience, cultural background and emotional experience, so the interpretation and perception of the artwork will be different. According to their own subjective experience and emotional experience, the viewer gives different meanings and values to the artwork, so as to develop a personalized cognition and understanding of it.
Interaction between emotion and aesthetics: The viewer's emotional experience and aesthetic feelings play a crucial role in the understanding and evaluation of artworks. Through the emotional resonance and aesthetic experience of the artwork, the viewer has a close connection and interaction with it, thereby deepening the understanding and appreciation of the artwork.
Subjective choice and active participation: When facing the artwork, the viewer does not passively accept the meaning and value it presents, but shapes the understanding and evaluation of the artwork through subjective choice and active participation. Viewers can choose different perspectives and interpretations to participate in the discussion and debate of the artwork, thus enriching the meaning and value of the artwork.
B. The counter-effects of social consciousness
Gombrich emphasized the reaction of social consciousness to the subjective agency of the viewer. Social consciousness refers to the influence of the social and cultural environment in which the viewer lives on his cognition and understanding, including historical, cultural, political, economic and other factors. Social consciousness has the following effects on the subjective initiative of the viewer:
Cultural Traditions and Cognitive Frameworks: The cultural traditions and cognitive frameworks in which viewers live affect their understanding and evaluation of artworks. Different cultural backgrounds and cognitive frameworks can lead to different interpretations and perceptions of artworks, thus shaping diverse understandings of artworks.
Social values and aesthetic standards: The social values and aesthetic standards of the viewer play an important role in their evaluation and appreciation of artworks. Different social backgrounds and value orientations will lead to different attitudes and perceptions of artworks, thus presenting diverse aesthetic concepts and evaluation criteria.
Ideology and Ideological Tendencies: The ideology and ideological tendencies of the viewer will also affect their understanding and evaluation of the artwork. Different ideological tendencies and political stances will lead to different interpretations and attitudes towards artworks, thus presenting diverse ideological reactions.
C. Objectivity of contingency
Gombrich also emphasizes the objectivity of contingency when discussing the reaction between the subjective agency of the viewer and the social consciousness. Serendipity refers to the unexpected and unpredictable factors that occur in the process of interaction between the viewer and the artwork, which has an objective impact on the understanding and evaluation of the artwork. The objectivity of contingency is manifested in the following aspects:
Individual Differences and Diversity: As individuals, viewers have unique life experiences and emotional experiences, so their understanding and evaluation of artworks will also be diverse and individualized. The differences between the viewers lead to the fact that the understanding and evaluation of the artwork cannot be completely consistent, thus presenting the objectivity of chance.
Historical and environmental factors: Historical and environmental factors also affect the viewer's understanding and evaluation of the artwork. Different historical periods and social environments will cause the viewer to have different reactions and attitudes towards the artwork, thus presenting the objectivity of chance.
The ambiguity of the artwork itself: The artwork itself has the characteristics of ambiguity and openness, from which different viewers can find different meanings and values. When facing the artwork, the viewer will interpret and perceive it according to his own subjective experience and emotional experience, thus presenting the objectivity of chance.
V. Gombrich's Complexity and Diversity
The complexity of social development
Gombrich's art theory gives a profound reflection on the complexity of social development. He believes that society is a complex and pluralistic system, which is affected by the interaction and influence of multiple factors, thus showing diversity and change. When discussing the complexity of social development, the following aspects require special attention:
Historical Process and Cultural Evolution: The complexity of social development is reflected in its historical process and cultural evolution. In different historical periods and cultural backgrounds, people's cognition and understanding of art will be different, and art forms and styles will also change with the changes of the times. Through the study of historical processes and cultural evolution, Gombrich reveals the diversity and complexity of social development.
Social Structure and Power Relations: The complexity of social development is also reflected in its social structure and power relations. Different social structures and power relations lead to different forms of artistic expression and aesthetic tendencies, resulting in a diversity of artistic styles and genres. Gombrich deepens his understanding of the complexities of social development through his analysis of social structures and power relations.
Technological innovation and cultural communication: Technological innovation and cultural communication are also important manifestations of the complexity of social development. With the advancement of science and technology and the spread of culture, artistic exchanges and interactions between different regions and cultures have become increasingly frequent, and various art forms and styles have penetrated and integrated with each other, forming a diverse and complex cultural landscape. Gombrich conducts an in-depth study of the impact of technological innovation and cultural diffusion, revealing the diversity and complexity of social development.
The importance of diversity
In Gombrich's theory of art, diversity is seen as an important value and characteristic. He believes that diversity not only enriches the expression and content of art, but also promotes the development and progress of human culture. When discussing the importance of diversity, the following aspects need to be emphasized:
A source of innovation and creativity: Diversity provides a source and motivation for artistic innovation and creativity. The exchange and collision of different cultural backgrounds and aesthetic concepts have stimulated the desire of artists to constantly explore and break through, and promoted the continuous renewal and development of art forms and styles. Gombrich emphasized the importance of diversity for artistic innovation, believing that only on the basis of diversity can art continue to be revitalized and revitalized.
Cultural Identity and Intercultural Communication: Diversity also fosters cultural identity and intercultural communication. Artworks from different cultural backgrounds and traditions are exchanged and shared on a global scale, enriching people's cultural experience and cognition, and promoting mutual understanding and respect between different cultures. Gombrich believes that diversity provides an important support and guarantee for building a more inclusive and pluralistic cultural world.
Aesthetic experience and personal growth: Diversity enriches people's aesthetic experience and personal growth. The diversified choice of different art forms and styles meets people's diverse aesthetic needs and emotional experiences, and promotes the improvement of individual aesthetic taste and cultural literacy. Gombrich emphasized the importance of diversity for individual growth and development, and believed that only in a diverse environment can people have a richer and deeper artistic experience.
VI. Conclusion
Gombrich's art theory profoundly explores the complexity and diversity of art, and provides us with important ideological resources for understanding the nature of art and the laws of social development. When summarizing and summarizing his theory, we can draw the following important conclusions:
The Complexity of Art: Gombrich argues that art is a complex and pluralistic system that is influenced and conditioned by a variety of factors such as history, society, and culture. Through his research in art history and psychology, he deepens his understanding of the phenomenon of art by revealing the complexity and diversity behind works of art.
Diversity in Social Development: Gombrich emphasized the diversity and variability of social development. He believes that people's cognition and understanding of art will be different in different historical periods and cultural backgrounds, and art forms and styles will also change with the changes of the times. Therefore, we need to understand and explain the phenomenon of art from multiple dimensions in order to better grasp its internal laws.
The Importance of Diversity: Gombrich emphasized the importance of diversity for artistic innovation and social development. He believes that only on the basis of diversity can art continue to be revitalized and vitality, and society can achieve sustainable and stable development. Therefore, we should actively promote exchanges and dialogues between different cultures and different art forms, and promote artistic innovation and cultural development.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Gombrich, E. H. (1995). The Uses of Images: Studies in the Social Function of Art and Visual Communication. Phaidon Press.
Carroll, N. (1999). A Philosophy of Mass Art. Clarendon Press.
Disclaimer: All articles (including graphics, papers, audio and video, etc.) under my account can be reprinted or quoted at will after 72 hours from the date of publication, without informing me. If you need to request a manuscript, please contact [email protected]