In this post we consider the answers to the following questions posed by Robert Shaw: What are the meanings of art? What is it trying to tell us of [humanity]? What is [humanity] trying to tell us of [humanity itself]? . . . What may be the function or influence of art in a world gone schizophrenic, paranoid, masochistic? What does art show itself to be? Why is it important? How can it help us? (Blocker, 357-359)

Shaw’s answers:

First: Art on this scale is the most pervasive, persistent, powerful affirmation of the life-force in the [human]-thing. Than sex it is stronger and longer – by centuries and oceans. It is a true transubstantiation . . . it is finally the Flesh become Word.

Second, facing the bewildering profusions of matter and sensation, the Arts testify to [the human] ability to isolate and identify, then to relate and to order . . . art is the achievement of order.

[Third], Science has been able to provide knowledge of matter, but not of essence . . . the Arts exist to convey that which cannot otherwise be conveyed.

The Fourth mark of Art’s meaning I find in the simple fact that it is unremittingly an attempt to communicate, to establish contact, to find kinship across even centuries and oceans . . . the arts may indeed be not the luxury of the few but the last best hope of humanity – to inhabit with joy this planet (Blocker, 359-360).*

* – The Robert Shaw Reader. Robert Blocker, editor. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004.

The next post will consider how Mr. Shaw answers his question, And where does Religion meet the Arts? (Blocker, 361)

Until then . . .