I apologize for my etymological ignorance. I should have found another way to express this misconception of form as merely a beautifying element. If I remember correctly, this problem has previously on this list been referred to as seeing design as a beauty pageant or a swimsuit contest. Anyhow, I hope my point was made.

Kjetil

At 21:41 18.11.2003 +1100, Keith Russell wrote:

It is worth pointing out that "cosmetic" has its origin in the word "cosmos" - to give form to a series of "random patterns" is the study of the cosmos - so cosmetics is the study of form giving - in this case - the highlighting of form that is presumed to already be there - grouping stars - the stars are there alraedy but this kind of form only arises through observation - look - the big dipper. "Cosmetic" is not a dirty word.

keith russell
OZ newcastle

Kjetil Fallan, Research Fellow & Doctoral Candidate
Dept. of Architectural Design, Form and Colour Studies
Faculty of Architecture and Fine Art
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

N-7491 Trondheim, Norway

[log in to unmask]

+47 73595023 (office)
+47 90937874 (mobile)