Human Art (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: (American) Howard Roark, translated by Yi Chengxin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1996-10-01
Features: The Art of Mankind is a highly academic, informative, engaging, and readable book. Why did the author write this book? What are his important arguments, and what inspiration do they offer us? Let us summarize or quote the author's remarks to illustrate.
1. Roark said that the growth of everything has its evolutionary process, and the development of human civilization is no exception. In the conclusion of The Art of Mankind, he wrote: "I truly believe that the growth of everything has its evolutionary process."
2. Roark discussed art by examining various aspects of human activity throughout history. He placed different forms of art within specific economic, political, social, geographical, and historical conditions for examination.
3. The art of life is the highest art. Roark repeatedly emphasized that "all art should have only one purpose—to contribute to the highest art—the art of life."
4. Purely nationalist art does not exist. Roark believed that there is no such thing as purely nationalist culture in the world. The arts of different countries are always in an uninterrupted process of mutual exchange, penetration, influence, and absorption, ultimately blending together.
5. Perfection in art comes from diligent study and hard practice. Roark said that there are no shortcuts to working in art (just as in natural sciences). Inspiration is not the mother of success; perseverance is.
6. Artists are imaginative and pursue self-expression in art, contributing to enriching human life, but their own social status remains humble.
7. Blood and tears in artistic creation. Roark said that when studying Greek art, one must remember that it is the art of a small group of people who lived off the labor of others.
8. Historically, art had interdependent relationships with the church, monarchs, nobility, and the bourgeoisie (the third estate). The early Christian church adopted a negative and hostile attitude toward art. After Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, the church shifted from denouncing art to using it for religious purposes.
9. The pinnacle of musical and painting arts. In Chapter 42 of this book, there are two interesting illustrations. One shows Roark using landscape paintings to depict great achievements in music. At the highest peak, it is written "Beethoven." To the lower left of this peak is "Bach," and to the lower right of Bach is "Mozart." A slightly lower peak on the left side of Mozart is "Handel." The other illustration shows achievements in painting.
10. The influence of Eastern art on Western art. The author expressed his heartfelt gratitude in the book for the contributions of Eastern art to Western art. He particularly emphasized the charm of Chinese art and the "Chinese fever" among Dutch people in his youth.
11. The character of artists. In addition to introducing the lives and artistic achievements of great artists, Roark also focused on portraying their personalities, placing particular importance on their moral character.
12. The bourgeoisie of the 19th century did not understand art appreciation. Roark demanded that everyone should have artistic cultivation and an appreciation of art. This point was raised at the beginning of the book. He described the of rural bankruptcy in 19th-century England.
13. Modern art has numerous schools. Impressionist painters possess profound technical skills, while pure abstract art can be confusing. However, Roark believed that humanity's future is bright.