Conclusion

Abstract

From the examples discussed here in the visual arts, music, film, and fiction, it should be clear that the move beyond form conveys real philosophical meaning, meaning that is difficult to express by language alone. This meaning, embodied in a creative undoing of form, conveys important truths about contemporary culture, truths that elude our habitual modes of thought. We tend to think in terms of discrete objects that we analyze individually, at least in the West.¹ We divide the world into entities, concepts, or types, and examine their individual properties. This approach reinforces categories, as well as boundaries and divisions. The very structure of grammar encourages this way of thinking: subjects and objects are separate units and subjects operate on objects. Logic furthers this divide-and-conquer approach. By the principle of non-contradiction, what is A cannot be not-A. Opposites are situated on opposing poles. This way of thinking in discrete entities and polarities is supremely useful. It has resulted in inestimable progress in knowledge, and there is no intention here to undercut that valuable legacy. It does, however, obstruct an alternative way of thinking, one that can be particularly illuminating in contemporary culture.