The Necessity of Art

Description

“Art is necessary in order that man should be able to recognize and change the world. But art is also necessary by virtue of the magic inherent in it.” —Ernst Fischer Reissued with an introduction by John Berger, The Necessity of Art is a beautifully written meditation on art’s importance in viewing the world in which we live. In this wide-ranging and erudite exploration of literary and fine art, Fischer looks at the relationship between the creative imagination and social reality, arguing that truthful art must both reflect existence in all its flaws and imperfections, and help show how change and improvement might be brought about. With his emphasis on the individual’s need to engage with society, his rejection of rampant consumerism and hypertechnology, and his indomitable optimism, this radical, affirmative and humane vision of the artistic endeavor remains as timely today as when it was first published sixty years ago. Review: Five Stars - Perfect condition Review: Difficult read - This is a slow read. With a moderate background in philosophy you can make sense of the book, but it is not written for the lay person who will not be acquainted with many of the terms or references made by Fischer. More examples would have helped. Nonetheless, it was still educational and worth the grind.