"Between beauty of expression and power of expression there is a difference of function. The first aims at pleasing the senses, the second has a spiritual vitality which for me is more moving and goes deeper than the senses."
— Henry Moore
British Sculptor
1898 - 1986
Which is more important the beauty of what is said or the power of what is said? I agree with Moore that the impact of what is communicated is more important than the beauty with which it is communicated. It doesn't matter whether you are talking art, literature or music. Too much emphasis in our culture has been put on beauty. Form often wins out over substance. For me, the substance of the art matters more. The spiritual aspect of the communication is more important than the surface beauty. Some works of art have both beauty and substance. But if I must choose, I choose substance over beauty. When you look at a painting, listen to music or read a novel, what is more important to you: what is said or how it is said?
