In search of a living middle

Abstract

The article analyzes the main category of Zedlmayr's theoretical works "the middle" (Mitte). Zedlmayr is a classic of the Vienna School of Art Studies. The relevance of Zedlmayr's scientific views in the era of digitalization is due to his desire to understand the whole. For the first time this category is used in antiquity. The "middle" is an ontological and epistemological category denoting the integrity and relevance of a work of art. Sedelmaier understands a work of art as a living whole, residing here and now. A work of art for Zedlmayr is being, presence (dasein). According to Zedtlmayr, the "middle" is both the beginning, the middle (center), and the end (goal) of the work. The "middle" is exactly what makes the work acquire integrity, self, being, and individuality. The category "middle" describes the principle of the existence of the whole, implying the unity of the whole and the part. The middle expresses the structure and life of a work of art. It is also the main means of learning art. The middle also denotes the person himself and his connection with God.