Posted by Yon Bard on January 25, 1999 at 21:12:30:
In Reply to: Contrast as a criterion posted by Steve Price on January 25, 1999 at 13:48:10:
: Dear Friends,
: I think the exercise is an interesting one, and the argument that there are intrinsic properties of the human brain that makes it judge some things more beautiful than others has a certain appeal. On the other hand, I see many difficulties in it, and I'd like to raise one here.
Isn't it obvious that someone who likes Baluch must have different criteria from someone who likes Turkish? If they didn't they'd both like the same things.
Regards, Yon
: Among the criteria proposed by Alexander is that contrast in color and intensity are important determinants. This, it seems to me, runs smack into a wall when we get to Belouch group textiles (among others), where the aesthetic seems to be related to exactly the opposite. One of the attractive features of many Belouch group rugs is that there is so little contrast between some elements as to make them almost indistinguishable.
: Does this mean that there's something wrong with the criterion or that there's something wrong with those who find Belouch stuff beautiful? Or is there some other simple fix for this dilemma?
: Steve Price