Author: Yi Zhongtian Publisher: Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House
Formulation: 32 pages
Number of pages: 462 This book is written from the perspective of cultural anthropology and uses This work uses the methods and materials of cultural anthropology to study the nature of art, so it can also be called "Principles of Art in Anthropology". However, the research object of this book is not all artistic phenomena, but is limited to primitive art (prehistoric and modern primitive tribes); the artistic principles involved in this book are also limited to the relevant parts, which are quite different from the general art principles. They are not the same, but they are quite concerned about the principles of cultural anthropology related to primitive art. Therefore, it seems appropriate to title this book "Anthropology of Art". However, it should be noted that despite this, this book is mainly a work of aesthetics and literature, rather than a work of cultural anthropology in the strict sense. The author's intention is simply to introduce the methods of cultural anthropology into the field of aesthetics, and does not expect to make any achievements in anthropology. Although the book also raises issues such as totem system, reproductive worship, witchcraft etiquette, and primitive religion. Some insights of my own.
"Art Anthropology" is a work by Yi Zhongtian that moves closer to empirical research. The word "anthropology" immediately makes people think of a kind of empirical research and empirical investigation, and reminds people of the "bottom-up" research method of psychological aesthetics. However, Yi Zhongtian's "artistic anthropology" still uses speculative methods to manage empirical materials, ensuring the metaphysical character of his academic research, but the traces of "top-down" have become increasingly hidden. In this work, Yi Zhongtian tried his best not to start from inherent theories or definitions, but from facts. Therefore, this is no longer a "philosophical aesthetics", but a "scientific aesthetics", or more accurately, an "artistics". "Art Anthropology" is Yi Zhongtian's most satisfying academic work, because in this work, Yi Zhongtian independently proposed a theory of art: the theory of human confirmation. The term "human corroboration" comes from Marx, but the "human corroboration theory" about art is an art theory derived from Yi Zhongtian's own research in the process of investigating primitive art.
Yi Zhongtian believes that the essence of art is "the confirmation of human beings". In other words, in his view, "human confirmation" is the definition of art. However, the authorities are confused but the bystanders are clear. In many cases, others understand what they are creating better than those in authority. Deng Xiaomang wrote a preface to the new edition of "Art Anthropology". The preface is titled "The confirmation of human beings requires the production of art." This sentence is obviously a more accurate expression of Yi Zhongtian's art theory. I once said, "Human Corroboration", "This statement can only emphasize the humanistic stance of explaining art, but cannot be regarded as the definition of art."
Later, Yi Zhongtian wrote "Art" Based on the main research results of "Anthropology", he wrote "The Corroboration of Man: Principles of the Art of Anthropology".
Human confirmation requires the production of art - Introduction to "Art Anthropology"
Introduction to Anthropology and the Restoration of the Essence of Art
Generation Mechanism of Part 1
Chapter 1 Going out of nature
Chapter 2: Human Confirmation
Chapter 3: Totem Principle
Chapter 4: Primitive Impulse
Chapter 5: Practice Thinking
Chapter 6: Rational Spirit
Chapter 7: Mythic Mode
Part 2: Primitive Form
Chapter 8: Craftsmanship
Chapter 9 Architecture
Chapter 10 Sculpture
Chapter 11 Human Decoration
Chapter 12 Dance
Chapter 13 Drama
Chapter 14 Painting
Chapter 15 Music
Chapter 16 Poetry
Conclusion And supplement: Re-discussing the "Confirmation of the Essence of Art"
Postscript
New Edition Postscript