It is to be remembered that all art is magical in origin - music,sculpture, writing, painting - and by magical I mean intended toproduce very definite results. Paintings were originally formulaeto make what is painted happen. Art is not an end in itself, anymore than Einstein's matter-into-energy formulae is an end in itself.Like all formulae, art was originally FUNCTIONAL, intended to mak
William S. Burroughs emphasizes the inherent magical quality of all forms of art, including music, sculpture, writing, and painting. He argues that art was originally created with specific intentions in mind, aiming to produce immediate and tangible outcomes. The purpose of art, he suggests, is not merely to exist for its own sake but to enact certain effects in the world.
Burroughs compares art to scientific formulas, such as Einstein's theories, which serve functional purposes. He suggests that like these formulas, art has historically been developed to fulfill specific needs or to bring about desired changes, highlighting its practical roots and original utility.
