Theo van Doesburg 1922
Questions and quotes derived from "The Will to Style"
Does culture mean independence from nature?
Doesburg does a good job of being both especially broad, and minute in his scope. He also does a good job of making assumptions that base his new "style" in context. I suppose I disagree first with the nature vs culture approach (perhaps because I am taking a class called "natureculture"). Natural states of human independence derive from a natural order of freedom of movement and thought. Or perhaps the natural in this case describes the primitive, or the old way.
Is Materialism and hand craftsmanship the purest expression of the soul?
I'm unsure, hand craftsmanship is a wonderful expression of the soul, and often results in staggering beauty and resolution. But then again, I would define pure expression of the soul in terms of art making in general. The adage, "your art is" leads me to assume that art does not rely on traditional means to be called art. A class could be a work of art, (thanks DeCredico). I do not take for granted the words craftsmanship, pure or soul, so I'm gonna reserve judgment on this one.
Has craftsmanship as appropriate to individualistic points of view vanished due to mechanical progress?
No, this is where art fits in.
When man and labor are reduced to commodity in service of the cultural constructions do they achieve social liberation?
This is a loaded one. I wonder what Marx would say... I'm going to go with "no" for 500.... This requires its own rumination... Social Liberation
"To serve artistic ends the use of machines must be governed by the artistic consciousness"
De Stijl will make real all the things "which were known as magic, the spirt, love, etc...."
I agree with using design to make intangible experiences tangible, but I'm fairly sure that Doesburg is referring to these elements to describe how the style will unite these elements. the last sentence even goes so far as to declare that "This merging of art and life signifies nothing less than the spiritual reconstruction of europe."
Unified by visionary design eh?
Simplicity and repose? Truth and clarity in of form? Monumental synthesis?
I'm all for that.
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