Focusing on the moment of transition from the pictorial to the post-pictorial condition, this book advocates the opinion that what fundamentally distinguishes pictorial representation in Western civilization is one's ability to distinguish what the picture shows from what the picture refers to, and to that extent the reality inside the picture cannot be confused with what is outside it.
This book explores how prehistoric aesthetic consciousness of the Chinese nation evolved from animality and barbarism, how it was epitomized in prehistoric artifacts, and most importantly, how this aesthetic consciousness has exerted an ever-lasting influence upon the Chinese mind and culture, by examining prehistoric archaeological discoveries, particularly pottery objects, jade ware, and rock paintings from prehistoric cultures, and by studying ancient Chinese historical and literary documents.
This volume presents a cross-section of current Brecht studies, reflecting a variety of approaches and perspectives ranging from detailed exegesis of particular texts to cultural criticism in the broadest sense.
