In this chapter, the author skillfully explores the contrasting realms of Chinese and European art through the lens of two captivating stories. Our journey begins amidst the splendour of eighth-century China, where Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty commissions the gifted painter Wu Daozi to adorn a palace wall with his artistry.
As the Emperor gazes upon the wall's vibrant tableau, his attention initially fixates on the surface beauty. Yet, the perceptive painter redirects the Emperor's focus to a hidden cave nestled at the mountain's base. With a tantalising promise, the painter extends an invitation to reveal the secrets within.
Stepping into the depths of the cavern, the painter crosses its threshold, and with an almost magical gesture, the entrance seals shut behind him. A single clap of his hands acts as a catalyst, causing both the wall's painted scene and the artist himself to dissolve into the ether, leaving the Emperor in a state of wonder.
In another narrative strand, we encounter an artist wrestling with a whimsical notion, hesitating to depict the eye of a dragon lest the mythical creature spring to life and take flight. This tale, firmly rooted in the European artistic tradition, then unfolds to encompass a masterful Blacksmith who finds his heart captivated by the daughter of a fellow artist. However, their love faces an impediment – her father's disapproval due to the Blacksmith's humble trade.
Undeterred, the determined Blacksmith gains clandestine access to the painter's studio, where he ingeniously paints a lifelike fly onto the artist's latest creation. The fly's lifelike appearance is so convincing that the painter instinctively swats at it before realising it is an integral part of the artwork. This clever stratagem secures the Blacksmith's place as an apprentice in the painter's workshop.
A romance blossoms between the Blacksmith and the painter's daughter, culminating in marriage and the Blacksmith's emergence as one of the era's celebrated painters.
These stories illuminate the distinct artistic philosophies that underscore creative expression in disparate corners of the globe. In Europe, the artist strives to unveil a tangible perspective, channelling their vision into a visual plane accessible to the observer. The pursuit of perfection, meticulous representation, and the art of illusion define this approach.
In contrast, China's artistic paradigm eschews replication of the literal, instead harnessing the artist's inner voice and spiritual resonance to conjure abstract compositions. Embracing this sense of abstraction, the viewer embarks on an open-ended journey, entering the painting's portal from any vantage point and traversing realms guided by personal imagination.
Central to this concept is 'Shanshui,' a fusion of 'mountain' and 'water,' which, when interwoven, gives birth to the very essence of 'landscape.'
The chapter "Landscape of the Soul" discusses the differences between the Chinese and European views of art. The Chinese view is based on an imaginative, inner, or spiritual approach, while the European view aims to achieve a perfect illusionistic likeness. The Chinese painter wants the beholder to enter his mind, while the European painter wants the viewer to borrow his eyes. The chapter also discusses the importance of "outsider art," which is the art of untrained visionaries. Overall, the chapter highlights the importance of the spiritual and conceptual space in Chinese art and the active participation of the viewer.
Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.
- Anecdote: A short account of a particular incident or event, especially of an interesting or exciting nature.
- Illusionistic likeness: A technique of using pictorial methods to deceive the eye by creating an illusion of something.
- Delicate realism: The alluring quality of art that makes it seem real. It is an interest in or concern for the actual or real as opposed to abstract.
- Conceptual space: The incalculable dimension of the understanding of concepts. It refers to a relation with the abstract rather than the factual representation.
- Figurative painting: A metaphoric representation of a piece of art through the eyes of the creator's imagination.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
Q1. (i) Contrast the Chinese view of art with the European view with examples.
Answer: The Chinese view of art is based on an imaginative, inner, or spiritual approach, while the European view aims to achieve a perfect illusionistic likeness. The Chinese painter wants the beholder to enter his mind, while the European painter wants the viewer to borrow his eyes. Examples include Wu Daozi's dragon mural and a Flanders painter's realistic fly.
(ii) Explain the concept of shanshui.
Answer: Shanshui is a Chinese word that literally means "mountain-water." It represents the concept of landscape, with the mountain representing Yang and the water representing Yin. The interaction between the two is the fundamental notion of Daoism, with the Middle Void being the essential third element where their interaction takes place.
Q2. (i) What do you understand by the terms ‘outsider art’ and ‘art brut’ or ‘raw art’?
Answer: "Outsider art" refers to the art of untrained visionaries who have no formal training in art but show talent and artistic insight. "Art brut" or "raw art" refers to works of art in their raw state, free from cultural and artistic influences. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe art created outside the boundaries of mainstream culture and art institutions. The artists who create outsider art or art brut often use unconventional materials and techniques, and their works are often characterized by a raw, unpolished quality.
(ii) Who was the “untutored genius who created a paradise” and what is the nature of his contribution to art?
Answer: The "untutored genius who created a paradise" refers to Nek Chand, an 80-year-old creator-director who made the world-famous Rock Garden at Chandigarh. Nek Chand's contribution to art is in the form of "outsider art," where he sculpted with stone and recycled materials. He used anything and everything from a tin to a sink to a broken-down car to form an artistic piece. His work is now recognized as India's biggest contribution to outsider art, and UNESCO is organizing a five-month interactive show of his works.
TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT
Q1. Discuss “The Emperor may rule over the territory he has conquered, but only the artist knows the way within.”
Answer: This statement highlights the importance of art and the role of the artist in society. It suggests that while an emperor may have power over a conquered territory, only an artist can truly understand the inner workings of that territory. The artist has a unique perspective that allows them to see beyond the surface level and into the deeper meaning of things. This is because the artist has the ability to create and interpret art, which is a reflection of the human experience. Through their art, artists can communicate complex ideas and emotions that cannot be expressed through words alone. In this way, the artist has a special kind of knowledge that is essential to understanding the world around us. This statement also suggests that art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people across cultures and time periods.
Q2. Discuss “The landscape is an inner one, a spiritual and conceptual space.”
Answer: This statement emphasises the idea that the landscape is not just a physical space but also an inner, spiritual, and conceptual one. It suggests that the landscape is not just something that can be seen and experienced with the physical senses but also something that can be felt and understood on a deeper level. This is because the landscape is not just a collection of natural features but also a reflection of the human experience. The landscape can be seen as a mirror of the human soul, reflecting our hopes, fears, and aspirations. In this way, the landscape is a spiritual and conceptual space that is intimately connected to our inner lives. This statement also suggests that the landscape is not a fixed or static thing but rather a dynamic and ever-changing one. The landscape is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing needs and desires of the people who inhabit it. As such, the landscape is a living, breathing entity that is intimately connected to the human experience.
EXTRA QUESTIONS
Q1. Elaborate upon the central idea of the lesson Landscape of the Soul.
Answer: The central idea of the lesson "Landscape of the Soul" revolves around the exploration of diverse artistic perspectives and cultural nuances across different regions, as well as the intrinsic connection between the artist's inner world and their creative expressions. The lesson delves into how artists from varying backgrounds and historical contexts infuse their unique sensibilities into their work, giving rise to distinct artistic traditions and approaches.
One of the key aspects illuminated by the lesson is the profound influence of cultural and philosophical beliefs on artistic creation. By highlighting stories like Wu Daozi's masterpiece in China and Quentin Metsys' artistic manoeuvring in Europe, the lesson underscores how different cultures shape artistic concepts, techniques, and objectives. Wu Daozi's ethereal landscapes, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, mirror a utopian vision inspired by harmony with nature and spiritual connectivity. Meanwhile, Quentin Metsys' ingenuity, driven by personal affection, showcases the impact of cultural and societal norms on art and relationships.
The lesson also emphasises the concept of "Shanshui," or "mountain water," as a symbolic representation of the intricate interplay between the tangible and the spiritual realms. This concept encapsulates the idea that art serves as a conduit for viewers to transcend physical boundaries and embark on an inner journey where their imagination interacts with the artist's creation. This notion resonates particularly with Chinese art, where the viewer's engagement with a piece is intended to evoke an emotional and spiritual response.
Furthermore, the lesson delves into the notion of "Art brut," illustrating the emergence of artistic expression from unconventional sources untethered by formal education or established norms. By examining the Rock Garden in Chandigarh as an example of "Art brut," the lesson underscores how artistic creativity can flourish when it is unburdened by conventional expectations, resulting in distinctive and thought-provoking creations.
In essence, "Landscape of the Soul" underscores the inherent universality of art while celebrating its diverse manifestations. The lesson encourages readers to appreciate the intrinsic connection between an artist's inner vision, their cultural context, and the tangible expressions they produce. It prompts us to consider how art serves as a mirror reflecting the depths of the human experience, capturing both the tangible landscapes around us and the intangible landscapes within us.
Q2. Describe the landscape as done in the beginning of the story.
Answer: The lesson starts with a painting by Wu Daozi. It shows beautiful scenes like forests, big mountains, waterfalls, and people on paths. There's a cave with a spirit. Wu Daozi claps, and the cave opens. He tells the Emperor it's amazing inside and offers to show him. He goes in, the cave closes, and the painting disappears. Wu Daozi is never seen again.
Q3. What do you understand by the term illusionistic likeness?
Answer: The term "illusionistic likeness" refers to a technique used in art to create a realistic representation of an object or scene. It involves using pictorial methods to deceive the eye and create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. This technique is often used in figurative painting, where the goal is to create a metaphoric representation of a subject through the eyes of the creator's imagination.
Q4. What is the middle void? Why is it important?
Answer: The Middle Void is the third element in the Daoist view of the universe, which is often overlooked. It is the space where the interaction between the two opposing forces of "Yang" and "Yin" takes place, creating balance and harmony in the universe. Without the Middle Void, there would be no interaction between "Yang" and "Yin", and the universe would be out of balance. The Middle Void is also important in meditation and spiritual practice, allowing for a deeper connection to the universe and a greater understanding of the self. Overall, the Middle Void is an essential element in the Daoist view of the universe.
Q5. What made the artist give consent to his daughter’s marriage to the blacksmith?
Answer: The artist agreed to his daughter's marriage to the blacksmith because the blacksmith cleverly painted a lifelike fly on a painting, showing his artistic skill and innovative thinking. The artist realized the blacksmith's talent and dedication, which led him to accept the marriage and welcome the blacksmith as an apprentice in his studio.
Q6. How was the king’s view different from that of the painter?
Answer: The king's perspective focused on the surface beauty of the painting, noticing the outer details and scenes depicted. On the other hand, the painter's viewpoint went beyond the surface. He guided the king's attention to a hidden cave, emphasizing the deeper, inner essence of the artwork and inviting the king to explore its mysteries.
MCQs - Landscape of Soul
1. What are the two contrasting but complementary elements in the Daoist view of the universe?
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