How Art Invented Humanity

J F Martel, in an essay for Aeon Magazine titled "How Art Invented Humanity," explores the profound impact of art on human identity and consciousness. He argues that the act of creating art, beginning with early humans painting cave walls, was pivotal in the development of self-awareness and understanding of humanity. These early artistic expressions allowed humans to discover who they were, marking a significant evolution in the human mind. Martel emphasizes that the transformation embodied in art is not merely about the physical form of the works but also about the deeper meanings and experiences they evoke. For instance, he discusses the experience of entering a cathedral or contemplating a Mark Rothko painting, highlighting how these encounters can create a sense of weightlessness and transcendence, despite the physical heaviness of the materials involved. This transformation reflects the complex relationship between art and human perception. The essay suggests that through the creation and appreciation of art, humans began to articulate their thoughts, emotions, and identities. This process of artistic expression is presented as a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human, indicating that our minds emerged from our images. Thus, Martel posits that art is not just a reflection of humanity but a crucial element in the formation of human consciousness itself.