Text and image by Corinna Heumann
Diverse artistic positions unite art and philosophy, questioning themes such as freedom and rules while emphasizing balance as a central principle. They call for creative solutions and harmony between humanity and nature. Philosophers like Næss, Emerson, and Laozi urge to return to nature, while Aristotle views individual values and universal justice as foundations for happiness. A coming up exhibition inspires the art of balance in a fragmented world.
Freedom and Rules
In this exhibition, the format of the artworks, 50 x 50 cm reflects both title and content. However, this raises the question: can the diverse positions within Bonn artists’ group and their guests be fully expressed within a strict format? To what extent do rules encourage or stifle artistic freedom? While the format can be preset, the content remains up to the artists.
The Art of Living
In both art and life, the concept of balance plays a central role. The art of living transcends and shapes the struggle of existence, introducing both form and meaning. The Bauhaus movement asserted that form should follow function to achieve perfection—or perhaps harmony—in theory.
Lively art is also the art of living, but today it faces increasing pressure. Calls for better work-life balance, the climate crisis as a driver of demands for restraint, and growing societal tensions threaten to unsettle the world. Excess or deficiency seems to dominate everywhere.
Thus, open and creative perspectives are needed. Experiments with design and action strategies are already underway, and sustainable concepts are being sought worldwide. The aim is to curb destructive forces to restore natural balance within the processes of so-called creative destruction. FiftyFifty!
Balance Between Humanity and Nature
For a number of philosophers, living in harmony with the environment is the foundation of a happy life. Humanity is not separate from nature but part of its diverse rhythms and transformations, but FiftyFifty! offers brief insights into three influential philosophers from different eras.
Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss, founder of Deep Ecology, reflected on the relationship between humanity and nature in the 20th century. His holistic approach unites a deep appreciation for nature with societal behavior.
In 1836, American writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson observed in his essay Nature that people fail to fully embrace nature’s beauty. For him, nature represented a transcendent force that fostered individual spiritual fulfillment. In ancient China, Laozi reflected on humanity’s exploitation of nature. In the Tao Te Ching, he wrote, that man follows the earth, the earth follows the heavens, the heavens follow the Tao, and the Tao follows nature.
Art for Art’s Sake – Individual Values and the Pursuit of Happiness
Fifty for art, fifty for happiness! Not only is a life in harmony with nature desirable, but so is a balance of personal and societal interests. Aristotle and Plato linked general justice with individual virtue. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle argued that cultivating values such as courage, moderation, and justice—neither too much nor too little, whether material or ideal—is essential. Without individual virtues, there is no good life, no eudaimonia or happiness, which we pursue for its own sake, never as a means to an end. Similarly, art is chosen for art’s sake. Buddha, Gandhi, and the Stoics shared similar ideas.
The Art of Living in a Fragmented World
Marcus Aurelius wrote that one has control over one’s own mind rather than being driven by external forces. Sapere aude—dare to use your own reason—is usually taken for granted today. Yet, given the complexity of the world, it is worth occasionally questioning your own reasoning; otherwise, even reason itself may depend on good chance.
Art and life are dynamic processes of balance across the diverse dimensions of human creative existence. A holistic view of the world navigates this exhibition, showcasing a wide variety of positions. Artists from New York and Cairo exhibit alongside artists in the Rhineland, reflecting their rich cultural and historical experiences while offering an optimistic outlook on the complexity of the present. In an era of climate crisis, societal polarization, and personal alienation, creative exchange across philosophical traditions is more vital than ever. It not only inspires the meaningful shaping of individual lives but also celebrates the idea of peaceful coexistence among humanity, nature, and society.
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