Leo Tolstoy and His Views on Art

Leo Tolstoy

• Born in 1828 in Yasnaya Polyana, Russia
• Died at 82 in 1910 due to pneumonia
• He was a Christian anarchist, opposed the state, and advocated non-violence
• Notable works are War and Peace (1869) and Anna Karenina (1877)
• Turned to Christianity later in life and dismissed the Russian Churches as corrupted
• He thought that art communicates emotion and promotes mutual understanding

Tolstoy's Arguments About Art

• Art as a means of communication
• Art as infectious
• Characteristics of Art
• Art beyond aesthetics

Art as a Means of Communication

• Claims art promotes a unique form of communication connecting individuals beyond verbal language

Infectious Art

• Art should be infectious, recipients of the art experience the artist's emotions, unifying them with the artist and fellow viewers

Three Essential Conditions of Art

• Individuality
• Clearness
• Sincerity

Art Beyond Aesthetics

• Argues strongly against solely valuing art for pleasure
• Advocates for a moral basis where art appeals to everyone, not just the elite

Philippine Art

• Art represents the diverse cultural heritage of the country, shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial experiences, and global trends
• Artistic expression provides insight into Filipino communities' values, beliefs, and experiences
• Artists can explore their cultural roots and articulate their perspectives on Filipino life, history, and social issues

Forms of Philippine Art

• Visual Arts include painting, sculpture, installation art, and photography/film
  • Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Benedicto Cabrera, and Jose Joya are notable artists
• Performing Arts include theater, dance, and music, vital for expression
  • Productions often reflect societal concerns and historical narratives
• Literature includes poetry, novels, and essays
  • Jose Rizal, Nick Joaquin, and contemporary authors contribute to a vibrant literary tradition
• Crafts & Architecture includes weaving, pottery, woodworking, fashion, graphic, and architectural design
  • Reflects modern influences while incorporating traditional elements

Cultural and Social Significance

• Art serves as a mirror, showcasing the nation's history, traditions, and values
• Artists draw inspiration from their cultural roots, preserving and celebrating Filipino heritage
• The diversity of artistic expressions reflects ethnic groups and cultures, promoting unity while acknowledging differences
• Art becomes a tool for advocacy and a means to raise awareness
• The art fosters dialogue about contemporary issues, encouraging critical reflection and engagement

Tolstoy's Essay "What is Art?"

• Originally published in 1897
• Explores art's definition, purpose, and significance in uniting humanity
• Argues art is essential for human existence, fostering empathy and understanding
• To define art correctly, it must be viewed as a fundamental condition of human life, not just pleasure
• Art facilitates a unique form of communication that connects individuals beyond verbal language
• Art allows individuals to share emotions, experiences crucial for building relationships and understanding
• A key characteristic of true art is its infectiousness
• The power of art unites people in shared feelings, breaking down barriers between individuals
• Recipients of art feel unity with the artist and others engaging with the same work
• Outlines three essential conditions that distinguish real art from counterfeit art
  • Individuality: The uniqueness of the feeling expressed by the artist
  • Clearness: The clarity with which the feeling is communicated
  • Sincerity: The artist's genuine and heartfelt expression of emotions
• Degree a work of art satisfies these conditions determines its quality and impact
• Art's primary role unites people through shared emotions, rather than merely offering aesthetic enjoyment
• Art should uplift humanity and contribute to its collective well-being
• Art is fundamentally about connection, fostering empathy and transcending isolation
• Art has the power to dissolve the boundaries between people, making them feel part of a larger human community
• Without art, humanity would struggle to find meaning and connection, leading to a fragmented existence
• Without art, mankind could not exist thus being essential for emotional and psychological well-being
• Art has the potential to elevate society by fostering kindness, compassion, and understanding
• Should challenge individuals to reflect on their values and behaviors, encouraging a collective movement toward moral improvement
• Art must align with the moral values of its time, resonating with the ideals of brotherhood and collective well-being
• Art should inspire a shared understanding of humanity, transcending individual differences to encourage cooperation, compassion, and mutual support