Meaning: Norman McLaren, a renowned Scottish-Canadian animator and film director, made a thought-provoking statement about the essence of art in his quote, "The good moral work of art should have all the qualities that a good amoral work of art should have, such as formal unity, balance, contrast, and a sensitivity to the material out of which it is made." This quote encapsulates the complexity of evaluating art from both moral and amoral perspectives, emphasizing the fundamental attributes that define a work of art's quality, regardless of its moral implications.

McLaren's use of the terms "moral" and "amoral" in this context invites contemplation on the ethical and non-ethical dimensions of art. By asserting that a good moral work of art should possess the same qualities as a good amoral work of art, McLaren challenges the conventional notion that moral considerations should be the sole criteria for evaluating the value of art. Instead, he suggests that the formal elements and technical craftsmanship of a work of art are equally essential, irrespective of its moral message.

Formal unity, as mentioned in the quote, is a crucial aspect of art that pertains to the harmonious arrangement of visual elements within a composition. It encompasses factors such as balance, rhythm, and proportion, all of which contribute to the overall coherence and aesthetic appeal of a work of art. McLaren's assertion that moral art should exhibit formal unity underscores the idea that ethical content should not detract from the visual or structural integrity of the artwork.

Balance and contrast, two additional qualities highlighted in McLaren's quote, are fundamental principles of design that play a pivotal role in creating visual interest and impact. Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition, while contrast involves the juxtaposition of different elements to create emphasis and dynamism. These principles are essential for both moral and amoral works of art, as they govern the overall visual impact and compositional strength, irrespective of the underlying message.

Furthermore, McLaren's reference to "a sensitivity to the material out of which it is made" underscores the significance of craftsmanship and materiality in art-making. This sensitivity encompasses an artist's understanding of their chosen medium, as well as their ability to manipulate and exploit its unique properties to convey meaning and emotion. Whether a work of art conveys a moral message or not, the artist's adeptness in handling the material is integral to the work's overall quality and impact.

McLaren's quote prompts a reassessment of how art is evaluated and appreciated, challenging the tendency to prioritize moral themes over formal and technical considerations. By advocating for the equal importance of formal unity, balance, contrast, and material sensitivity in both moral and amoral works of art, McLaren advocates for a more holistic and inclusive approach to art criticism and interpretation. This perspective encourages viewers and critics to engage with art on multiple levels, acknowledging the interconnectedness of ethical, aesthetic, and technical aspects.

In conclusion, Norman McLaren's quote serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the multifaceted nature of art evaluation. By emphasizing the shared qualities that define a good moral and amoral work of art, McLaren highlights the intrinsic value of formal unity, balance, contrast, and material sensitivity in shaping the quality and impact of a work of art. This perspective encourages a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to appreciating and critiquing art, one that acknowledges the interplay of moral, aesthetic, and technical dimensions in shaping artistic merit.