Art Reboot

94 in the first place. Great art eventually becomes the mirror of great minds. That is one of the major advantages of process-based aesthetics; the ongoing exchange is constantly shifting the par- ameters of meaning in both the art object and our response to it. A true masterpiece, a timeless work of art with universal appeal, has infinite depth, which is what defines it eventually through consensus. Infinite depth in art keeps its levels of meaning hid- den until the audience is ready and able to unlock them one by one. It is a two-way exchange, also unlocking unrevealed depths in the audience. Great art holds the keys to the kingdom of sagacity. This raises the question of what happens when the ladder ends and we step off the final rung into the realm beyond lad- ders. What happens when we’ve learned everything we can and transcended even art itself ? What happens, in short, when art fulfils its highest function and enlightens us? The theory of two ways of knowing is equal to the question. In the enlightenment experience everything falls into place, and we return to the everyday realm possessed of the all-encompassing perspective of Meaning. As we set about integrating all aspects of the band- width of consciousness, we don’t change the nature of exis- tential problems, but we do change our ability to deal with them. Transcending the purpose of art doesn’t mean we stop enjoying it; it just means we do so from an entirely different, liberated perspective. Our Van Gogh may metaphorically pat us on the back and say, ‘Welcome. Delighted you could make it. Now, let’s really party!’