“All great works of art are a part of nature and nothing more than a newly created nature.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「すぐれた芸術作品はすべて自然の一部をなし、新らしく創られた自然に他ならない」
English
“All great works of art are a part of nature and nothing more than a newly created nature.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima suggests that great art is inherently connected to nature, not merely as a reflection of the natural world, but as a newly created form of nature itself. He emphasizes that art does not stand separate or apart from nature; instead, it is an extension of it—reshaping and reinterpreting the natural world into something unique and original. This view reflects Mishima’s belief in the integration of art with the universal truths of the world, where art does not merely imitate nature, but transforms it into something new. For Mishima, the greatness of art comes from its ability to interact with the natural world, reimagining it in ways that reveal hidden aspects of reality and human experience.
Mishima’s perspective challenges the idea that art is a mere representation or copy of the external world. Instead, he sees it as an active force that creates a new version of reality, one that is as vital and dynamic as nature itself. This view aligns with his broader philosophy that art and life are intricately connected, and that the best art gives life to new forms of understanding, just as nature does. For Mishima, the power of art lies in its ability to breathe new life into the world, just as nature constantly renews itself through growth and transformation.
In a modern context, Mishima’s quote highlights the organic relationship between art and the natural world, emphasizing that art is not an isolated, self-referential activity but a living and evolving force that is deeply embedded in the fabric of reality. Today, in a world where artificial creations often dominate discussions about technology and culture, Mishima’s words remind us that great art still has the potential to reshape our understanding of the world in the same way that nature does, by revealing new truths, perspectives, and emotions. The quote encourages a reconnection with the essence of nature, reminding us that true artistic expression should remain rooted in the fundamental forces of life.
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