The Concept of Beauty in Art: An Exploration

The idea of beauty has long been a central theme in artistic expression and appreciation. Chapter 10 explores the multifaceted relationship between beauty and art, emphasizing how subjective perceptions and cultural context shape our understanding of artistic merit. To navigate this topic, we will examine the role of taste in describing art as beautiful, referencing David Hume’s insights, and explore the rationale behind beauty pageants like Miss America and Miss Universe, even within the framework of subjectivity.

Thesis Statement

Taste significantly influences our perception of beauty in art, as articulated by David Hume, who argued that aesthetic judgments are informed by individual experience and cultural background. Despite the subjectivity of beauty, events like Miss America and Miss Universe persist as they provide a collective standard that reflects societal values and ideals of beauty.

The Role of Taste in Describing Art as Beautiful

David Hume famously asserted that “beauty is no quality in things themselves; it exists merely in the mind which contemplates them” (Solomon & Higgins, p. 203). This statement underscores the importance of taste—our individual preferences shaped by personal experiences, cultural context, and social influences—in determining what we consider beautiful in art.

The Impact of Taste

Taste serves as a lens through which we evaluate and appreciate art. What one person finds beautiful, another may find unappealing or even offensive. Hume’s perspective implies that aesthetic judgments are not universal; rather, they are subjective interpretations shaped by diverse backgrounds. For instance, a contemporary abstract painting might evoke feelings of beauty in one viewer due to its emotional resonance or innovative technique while leaving another indifferent or confused. Consequently, taste becomes a critical factor in any discussion about beauty in art.

Beauty “in the Eye of the Beholder” and Beauty Pageants

The phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” reinforces the idea that perceptions of beauty are inherently subjective. However, this subjectivity does not negate the existence of organized events celebrating beauty, such as Miss America and Miss Universe. These pageants showcase contestants who are often judged based on a combination of physical appearance, talent, and personality, reflecting a collective societal standard of beauty.

The Purpose of Pageants

Despite the subjective nature of beauty, these competitions serve several important purposes:

1. Cultural Reflection: Pageants often reflect contemporary ideals and cultural norms regarding beauty. They can influence societal perceptions and trends, thereby shaping what is considered attractive or desirable.

2. Empowerment and Opportunity: Many contestants use pageants as platforms to advocate for social issues, leveraging their visibility to promote important causes. This multifaceted purpose elevates the concept of beauty beyond mere physical attributes.

3. Community and Tradition: Pageants foster a sense of community and tradition among participants and audiences alike. They celebrate diversity and showcase various talents, embodying a shared cultural experience.

As noted in the video “Aesthetics or the Philosophy of Beauty,” pageants can also serve to challenge traditional notions of beauty by including contestants from diverse backgrounds (timestamp). This evolving definition of beauty reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward inclusivity and representation.

Conclusion

Beauty in art is deeply intertwined with individual taste and cultural context, as highlighted by David Hume’s assertion about subjective aesthetic judgments. While beauty may indeed be “in the eye of the beholder,” organized events like Miss America and Miss Universe persist as meaningful expressions of collective standards. They illustrate how society navigates the complexities of beauty and allows individuals to engage with broader cultural narratives about attractiveness, empowerment, and representation.

References
Solomon, R. C., & Higgins, K. M. (Year). Title of Textbook. Publisher.
Video: Aesthetics or the Philosophy of Beauty [Timestamp].