My understanding of beauty is different from yours and
vice versa. However, it is important to realize how did our individual
understanding shape from? Is it a result of a deep rooted individualistic
philosophy one has developed over the years or is it the result of external
factors that tell what and how beauty should be perceived.

Many different views, opinions and many more definitions.
But there is no one right way to look at it. Here is my understanding of some
of the most important philosophers’ take on “aesthetics”.

Twirling wires, 2001 © Roger Ballen

The aesthetic awareness for Schopenhauer is achieved
through overemphasizing the subject matter’s concept. He believed that the
success of the art form depends on the tranquility it can bring out through the
aesthetics and overall experience. The artist who can successfully create that
experience through an art form is considered a genius.

Nietzsche observed that art is a combination of two
distinct characteristics. The first being a definitive physical and instinctual
qualities and the latter is inspiring and uplifting mental strength. He firmly
believed that it is important to be totally realistic about our surroundings
and understand that we can never get rid of the successes and failures, the
stronger and the weak but embrace the fact that both good and bad will coexist.
If an art piece raises sensual stimuli,
it has met its objective because this is exactly what it is supposed to do.

SANTOSH KORTHIWADAPhotographer & Educator, Edmonton

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Understanding Aesthetics (Part 1)

SANTOSH KORTHIWADA
Photographer & Educator, Edmonton