Every work of art is an abstraction from time; it denies the reality of change and decay and death

Every work of art is an abstraction from time; it denies the reality of change and decay and death

Lewis Mumford was a prominent American historian, sociologist, and philosopher who explored the relationship between technology, urbanization, and human society. His work often delved into the impact of modernity on the human experience, and he was known for his critical analysis of the effects of industrialization and urban development on the environment and human well-being.

In the context of Mumford's ideas, the statement "Every work of art is an abstraction from time; it denies the reality of change and decay and death" can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Mumford was deeply interested in the ways in which human creativity and cultural expression could transcend the limitations of time and mortality, and he believed that art had the power to capture and preserve moments of beauty and meaning that might otherwise be lost to the ravages of time.

Mumford's writings often touched on the ways in which art and architecture could serve as a form of resistance to the forces of change and decay that were inherent in modern industrial society. He saw art as a means of connecting individuals to a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, and he believed that the creation and appreciation of art could help to counteract the alienation and disconnection that were becoming increasingly prevalent in the modern world.