“Art is, in every sense, a critique of the material it deals with.”
- January 14, 1925 – November 25, 1970
- Born in Japan
- Novelist, playwright, critic, political activist
Japanese
「芸術はすべて何らかの意味で、その扱っている素材に対する批評である」
English
“Art is, in every sense, a critique of the material it deals with.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mishima argues that art is fundamentally a critique of the materials it engages with—whether those materials are physical (such as paint, stone, or ink) or conceptual (such as ideas, emotions, or societal structures). Mishima suggests that the act of creation in art inherently involves commentary or evaluation on the subject matter the artist works with. This perspective positions the artist not merely as a creator but as someone who reflects on, challenges, and reinterprets the world through the act of shaping or transforming materials. Every piece of art, in Mishima’s view, is a dialogue between the artist and the material—an ongoing critique of the very things the artist chooses to explore or manipulate.
Mishima’s conception of art as a critique is reflective of his broader philosophical stance that art is not just about beauty or aesthetic expression, but also about engaging with deeper truths and societal commentary. Through art, the artist comments on the nature of the materials they use—whether those materials represent the human condition, cultural norms, or even the struggle for meaning in a world filled with imperfection and mortality. For Mishima, art becomes a powerful tool for reflection and criticism, helping both the artist and the audience to rethink the world around them and the materials they are made of.
In a modern context, Mishima’s words can be understood as a reminder that art is not just about creating beauty or pleasure but is also about critique and interpretation of the world. Today, artists continue to engage with their chosen materials—whether physical objects or abstract concepts—to offer commentary on society, politics, identity, and culture. Art remains a tool for social critique, offering new perspectives and provoking deeper thought about the world we live in. Mishima’s view encourages us to see art as a dynamic and interactive process, where the artist questions and redefines the materials they work with, whether they are tangible or symbolic, and in doing so, challenges the assumptions and structures of society itself.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
