Mimesis and its perduration in art: from material reality to immaterial spirituality

Abstract

This text proposes a punctual analysis of some of the main interpretations that the concept of mimesis has acquired throughout the history of Western art. We begin our approach with a special focus on two conceptions from classical Greek philosophy. First, we address the understanding of mimesis in the thought of Plato, who, in turn, directs a vehement critique against the way art in general represents its contents. Secondly, we delve into the thought of Aristotle, identifying in his work an appreciation of art as mimesis, where we demarcate his departure from the Platonic view. Next, we set off to present a number of examples that identify the most emphatic segments of the classical elaboration of the concept of mimesis from the 16th to the 19th century, as the art of imitation gradually reaches its pinnacle. Finally, we examine and question to what extent contemporary art, despite all the deconstruction it has carried out concerning the arts of the past, still maintains indelible connections with the imitative purpose.