Amanda D. Post #2

Amanda Dhillon

http://rache-engel.deviantart.com/art/god-b-lessamerica-41869712

There is an interesting image entitled .god.b.lessamerica. that I found on DeviantArt that, in my opinion, represents the type of artwork that will hinder any progress in moving the nation forward. Personally, I feel like the provocative components of the image and their connotations of the country’s lack of intellect and backward actions that will eventually lead to its demise are enough to cause a sense of failure in the nation and, at least to me, a sense of irritation toward its people’s and government’s actions/ governing behaviors. The representation of the “cross” scale and the heaviness of the bible in comparison to the human brain is agitating, implying that the people of this nation do not think with their minds but rather with their religion, and when this happens, the lack of innovation and ability to solve national problems stops the state from being led forward. I feel that Plato would agree that this image will indeed hinder any forward progress primarily because an image, based on the Republic: Book X, seems to only be an “imitation” of the truth , and according to Plato, “imitation … [has] no true or healthy aim” (Plato Republic Book X). This statement in itself assumes that most images are predisposed to stop any forward progress of a state through misleading its people. This is especially the case when the people only know what is shown to them and “judge only by colors and figures,” making themselves as “ignorant” as the painter him or herself, who creates his or her imitation in a state far removed from any “reality” (Plato Republic Book X). Based on this belief, artwork like this is mis-informative at best, but people do not know any better and take it for truth as it stands. This type of uninformed and misled mindset can pose quite a threat to the progress of a nation when it evokes an irrational, emotional reaction in the people, especially over something that shows no real truth, and the people act in accordance with those feelings. This is especially troublesome to a state if the imitation that is the image is actually made as an imitation of “the actions of men” (Plato Republic Book X). Some may take offense to this “accusation” made by the piece and subsequentially disharmony will trickle out among the people, particularly if there are those who act on their strong feelings for one side of the conflict or another. In this image, the “backward” actions of the government shown through the upside down flag (probably concerning war, as the flag is mounted on a gun) can strike the emotions of many people to either agree or disagree with the artist’s opinion. This difference of opinion, when coupled with strong feelings for each side of the matter, instantly causes disharmony and provides great potential for open conflict. As Plato states in the Republic: Book X, artwork such as this emotionally-charged piece does not do any positive service to “a well-ordered State, because it awakens and nourishes and strengthens the feelings and impairs the reason” (Plato Republic Book X). The “[indulgence of] the irrational nature” (Plato Republic Book X) and consequential conflict and discord among the people of the state is not the type of attitude or quality which leads a nation forward, but rather holds it back.

http://www.kinkadecapitola.com/Heading%20Home1.jpg

This image, Heading Home by Thomas Kinkade, can be considered artwork that leads the nation forward. It inspires what Plato himself would seem consider “good” virtues for the people of a state to possess, including perseverance and unity. It is true that the painting does create somewhat of an emotional response, but in my opinion, it is hardly anything in comparison to the feelings evoked by the previous image, and as far as I know, there is no art that does not brush the emotional part of the soul. Based on this, Plato seems to conclude that almost no artwork could ever truly be a positive force for a state, as it “feeds and waters the passions instead of drying them up,” (Plato Republic Book X) but this painting comes close to being something that would inspire virtuosity as it appears to do (in my opinion) that which Plato feels is acceptable for art of the state. In a way, the painting does sing “hymns to the gods”(Plato Republic Book X) with the rays of sunlight, which often represent something holy or divine, acting here as thanksgiving to God for bringing the soldier home safely (though some may argue that it is irrational to believe in a God or gods, and therefore Plato himself does not use reason). Additionally, it “praises . . . famous men” (Plato Republic Book X) in some manner by portraying the returning man as a sort of war hero. He survived the battle and now represents hope for the war to end soon while the flags on his bag and jacket, bright and whole, present the viewers with a sense of patriotism and unity within their nation, which is usually a formula for progress and success. Surely Plato could see how this type of positive image displays good virtues and therefore “ought to be admitted into [the] State” (Plato Republic Book X) and how it does not do anything to tarnish reason and law, but rather gives people the hope to continue to lead the nation forward using such reason and law so that more soldiers can come home safely.