Conversation so far:
Did Maurice Merleau-Ponty create art?
Merleau-Ponty distinguishes between primary and secondary modes of expression in art.
What are the distinctions between his thoughts on art?
This distinction appears in Phenomenology of Perception (p. 207, 2nd note [French Edition.]).
What is repeated on Maurice Merleau-Ponty's thoughts of art?
The distinction between primary and secondary modes of expression is sometimes repeated in terms of spoken and speaking language.
What are Maurice Merleau-Ponty's modes of expression?
Spoken language, or secondary expression, returns to our linguistic baggage. Speaking language, or primary expression, is language in the production of a sense.
Are there any other interesting aspects about Maurice Merleau-Ponty on art?
It is speaking language, primary expression, that interests Merleau-Ponty and which keeps his attention through his treatment of the nature of production and the reception of expressions.

Question: Who influenced his views the most?
Self-contained rewrite: Who influenced Maurice Merleau-Ponty's views the most?