But Is It Art?
When the flush of a new—born sun fell first on Eden’s green and gold,
Our father Adam sat under the Tree and scratched with a stick in the mould;
And the first rude sketch that the world had seen was joy to his mighty heart,
Till the Devil whispered behind the leaves, “It’s pretty, but is it Art?”
The Conundrum of the Workshops, by Rudyard Kipling
In Hermann Hesse's philosophical novel "The Glass Bead Game," art plays a crucial role in society, serving as a unifying force that connects different disciplines and fosters a deeper understanding of human existence. The Glass Bead Game itself, an elaborate intellectual pursuit that synthesizes all branches of knowledge, embodies the transformative power of art.
Within the fictional society of Castalia, where the Glass Bead Game is revered, art is not merely a form of entertainment or self-expression. It is seen as a means of transcending individual perspectives and achieving a holistic view of the world. Through art, Castalians seek to grasp the essence of human experience, the interconnectedness of all things, and the profound mysteries of existence.
The Glass Bead Game embodies this role of art. It is a symbolic representation of the universe's intricate patterns and the harmonious interplay of human knowledge. By skilfully manipulating its abstract elements, Glass Bead Game players strive to create works of art that reflect the underlying unity of reality.
In this way, art serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, allowing Castalians to glimpse the divine order that governs the universe. It is a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and spiritual fulfilment.
However, Hesse also acknowledges the potential pitfalls of an overly intellectualized approach to art. He suggests that the Glass Bead Game, with its emphasis on abstraction and formal perfection, can become detached from the raw emotions and lived experiences that art is meant to convey.
Ultimately, Hesse advocates for a balance between intellectual rigor and emotional depth in art. He believes that art should not only inspire intellectual contemplation but also stir the human soul and connect us to our deepest selves.
The third writer I will call in to describe my journey is Jon Anderson, the singer and lyricists of most of the prog-rock band “Yes”.
“Master of images
Songs cast a light on you
Hark through dark ties
That tunnel us out
Of sane existence
In challenge as direct
As eyes see young stars assemble”
(from Awaken)
The song has more gems but after reading the Glass Bead Game and then listening to Awaken when it first came out, in 1977, it all clicked in. I would be a hypocrite to say that I understood it all, I was only 16. But something inside me recognized all the ideas mentioned above as something I should lock in a secret jewellery box, know that it’s there, under my bed, and open it now and then. Throughout my life, until sense will come in various forms.