Art and philosophy, which is superior?
Art tears its eyes out, in order to get a few steps ahead of philosophy, but philosophy with its eyes maintains the ability for a long view.
Art is not constitutively blind. It can regain its sight by realizing what it actually is, which is religion. Even Picasso said this, which is why he was able to shape the aesthetics of an era. He was the only one that understood himself as executing religion.
Let’s step back and look at JRR Tolkien. We are all very impressed. But compare it to the Illiad (much of which directly influenced whole sections of The Lord of The Rings, the identity of which I will keep to myself), specially the Illiad in its original language, and it’s trash.
Of course, the Illiad can’t be read like TLoTR, lounging comfortably. The Illiad in its original language and meter terrifies you, every line, every word.
What is religion, but wanting to shake the beholder to the core?