Zuishi

I think the egyptian example only strengthens the point that art must maintain a context to be viewed to its greatest effect. Sure, I could just use my initial reaction to judge the value of a particular art, but understanding teh conventions and limitations fo a specific form or even class of art can greatly increase the appreciation of a given piece.

A Bonsai example: When I was new to the art of bonsai I had a particular likeing to deciduous trees. Only problem was, I didn't find them that attractive to look at when they weren't green. After some time I discovered the degree of skill required to develope tignt ramification and pleasing branch placement, and began to understand why these trees were often displayed in the fall. Far from unusual, this appreciation seems to have been shared byany other bonsai enthusiests I have met.

Another example: If you were to look at an early work of picasso, you might note that he had an outstanding grasp on skills of clasical painting. Then a look at his later, and better known works show what appears to be simple techniques and childish forms. If I were to tell you that a specific painting, that is often derided by people at first look was an attempt to illistrate simultainaity in a static image, yur appreciation might increase. You might not like it all that much, but you would be able to understand that it has met its goal, and developed a set of conventions for other artists to do the same.

D.S.