2.2 The Effect of Beauty and Aesthetics on Identity

Defining concepts 

What is beauty?

Beauty encapsulates more than what is seen to the naked eye. It is subjectivity as well. The concept of what is considered "beautiful" depends on the context, culture and background of the interpreter. Different perspectives generate different types of beauty. In this topic we will explore the idea of beauty in the spanish-speaking community to understand its complexities and help you reflect on how it relates to one's identities. 

** Beauty: a subjective term that can be characterized in many different ways. It can be found in art, in nature, and other aspects around the world. **

** Belleza: un término subjectivo que puede ser caracterizado de diversas maneras diferentes. Se puede encontrar en el arte, la naturaleza y otros aspectos alrededor del mundo. **

Important questions that you might consider as you study this unit:

• What is beauty for this culture?/¿Que es belleza para esta cultura?
• What aspects of beauty are important in this context?/¿Que aspectos de la cultura son importantes en este contexto?
• What are my ideals of beauty? How does that affect my daily life?/¿Cuales son mis ideales de belleza y como estes afectan mi vida diaria?

What is aesthetics?

Whereas beauty is more of a definition, aesthetics is a branch that studies the approach to the nature of beauty. The study of aesthetics delves into how beauty is produced and consumed and analyzes what that "beauty" means. 

When we think about certain culture, some aspects of its "aesthetics" come to our mind. For example, when one thinks about the meaning of Peruvian aesthetics, certain images come to mind. The following image might come to mind: 

This is the famous Machu Picchu in the Cusco Region in Peru. This is a natural and historical aspect of Peruvian history that is an important part of Peruvian culture and beauty. Due to the fact that Peru has strong indigenous roots, this culture symbolizes the meaning of beauty to the nation. 

In the following image, you can observe a piece of art made in inspiration of la belleza de Peru. There is the inclusion of bright colors, in addition to Peruvian architecture. The image also aims to incorporate the daily life in Peru, through the inclusion of a citizen walking through the calles. The combination of these aspects also represents Peruvian aesthetics. 

** Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that studies beauty and taste. It studies the creation and appreciation of art, as well as the cultural aspects involved in this process. **

** Estética es la rama de la filosofia que estudias belleza y el gusto. Estudia la creación y apreciación del arte, además de los aspectos culturales envolvidos en este proceso. **