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- Title
The Cradle of Humanity: Georges Bataille on the Birth of Art and of Humanity.
- Authors
PERREAU, YANN
- Abstract
Georges Bataille's book "Prehistoric Painting: Lascaux or the Birth of Art" has had a significant impact on the study of prehistoric art and culture. Bataille approached the subject with caution and acknowledged the limitations of our understanding of prehistory. He was particularly intrigued by the discovery of the Lascaux caves and the cave paintings found there. Bataille's interpretation of the famous "pit" scene in Lascaux, which depicts a bird-man and a wounded bison, connects it to themes of murder and expiation. While recent scientific discoveries have challenged some previous interpretations of the cave paintings, Bataille's writings remain relevant and worth exploring. His philosophical approach to prehistory focuses on the symbolic significance of the cave paintings and the emergence of humanity. Bataille sees prehistory as a transitional period from animality to humanity, where humans were closely connected to animals. He emphasizes the tragic nature of this transition and the loss of connection with the natural world. Bataille's reflections are influenced by his pessimistic views on humanity, shaped by the traumas of World War II and the threat of nuclear weapons. The article also discusses the relationship between silence, violence, and the inability to express emotions through words in Bataille's work. It suggests that studying prehistory can remind us of the artistic tendencies and skills of our primate ancestors and the importance of reconnecting with our humanity. The article concludes by highlighting the universal nature of prehistory and
- Subjects
BATAILLE, Georges, 1897-1962; HUMANITY; SCIENTIFIC method; PREHISTORIC art; HUMAN-animal relationships; SOUL
- Publication
CounterPunch, 2023, p1
- ISSN
1086-2323
- Publication type
Article