Catch up on 2,400 years of art theory while you keep up with Kim, Yeezy and North West.
Let's begin with the Greek philosopher Plato, who said art is the imitation of reality – but it's an imperfect copy.
According to Plato, Kim Kardashian's Instagram is twice removed from reality. It's a copy of the real Kim Kardashian, who is herself merely a copy of the pure essence of celebrityness.
Aristotle disagreed with Plato, saying that art can express universal truths. It can show us how the world might be – not just mimic everyday reality.
In the Middle Ages, Thomas Aquinas said brightness, completeness and harmonious proportions are the keys to beauty.
Renaissance artists upheld the Greek ideals of art. Their frenemies, the Mannerists, got creative with stylized poses. They didn't get as many likes.
Art historians now think the split between the Quattrocento artists and the Mannerists has – like the Kim and Khloé feud – been greatly exaggerated.
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