Is it morally correct to seek the satisfaction of our desires?
Of course it is, we say to ourselves.
In reality, we make the majority of our decisions based on the belief that each of those choices will bring us further along the path to happiness.
Hedonism seeks to exalt our own pleasure and happiness, it is self-indulgent, not necessarily for the benefit of all, but definitely for the benefit of the individual.
(At least that is what we desperately hope!)
Within art hedonism also applies to the choice of aesthetic principles, the artist must make choices, hopefully to maintain a certain level of happiness.
What is it that makes the artist happy?
Is it the beauty of the work?
Is it the social statement it makes?
Or perhaps the force of the media attention and how that can bring about sales!
Each of us has an idea of what happiness means.
I find much of my happiness within my work.
The figure itself mirrors us and the portrayal of our inner landscape alludes to our humanity.
To speak of our self-awareness, behaviour, psychology and language, in the hopes that someone might find it helpful in their own search.
I suppose it boils down to the fact that being aware of my own feelings brings me happiness and I would like to share that road to happiness with others.
In the spiritual realm any mystical qualities appointed to a work of art are part of the nature of the viewer’s human emotion, philosophy and faith.
As these ideas open our minds up to new possibilities an increased awareness of our inner world becomes self-fulfilling.
Mondrian said, “We need not try to foresee the future, we need only take our place in the development of human culture.”
To be a part of this would make me happy!
By Boky and Blake