Art-the meaning of the pattern of our common actions in reality. The cloth-of-gold that hides behind the sackcloth of reality, forced out by the pain of human memory.
Art is described as the essence of our collective activities and their significance in the real world. It reflects the underlying meaning behind what we do together and how we interpret our shared experiences. Art reveals deeper truths about human existence through the patterns we create and follow in our daily lives.
In this quote, Durrell suggests that art is like a luxurious cloth of gold concealed beneath the rough fabric of reality. It is revealed through the pain of human memory, which forces us to bring forth beauty and meaning from life's hardships. Art, therefore, serves as a luminous expression hidden within life's struggles, brought to light by our collective memories and experiences.