When walking through a museum or gallery, have you heard someone or maybe even yourself exclaim “This isn’t art”? What is it? How do we define it? Can we define it? These are just some of the questions that arise when attempting to understand the concept of art.
We will look at the meaning and purpose of art, exploring its history, evolution, and impact on society. By examining the historical and contemporary perspectives on art, we can gain a better understanding of what art is and how it has evolved over time. Ultimately, we aim to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the definition of art and the role of creativity in human expression.
Defining Art
According to the dictionary, art is “The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects, and judged for its beauty and meaningfulness, specifically, painting, sculpture, drawing, and watercolor.” While this definition offers some insight, it remains somewhat ambiguous and open to interpretation.
Further exploration reveals that the word art is derived from the Latin word ars, which meant a skilled work or craft demanding a high level of technical ability. This definition includes skills such as wood carving, weaving, goldsmithing, and embroidery. In other words, art was once considered to be work that could have been created by present-day artisan or craftsperson.
This raises an important question: Is an artisan also an artist? While visual arts can range from the purely aesthetic to the purely utilitarian, can art exist in both realms or anywhere in between? This question has been associated with the age-old debate of who can be called an artist. If something serves a specific function, such as a handmade bowl or cup, can it be called art? Is a beautiful bowl also art? What about a painting or photograph of the same bowl? Is that art? And who gets to decide?
A Change to the Term ‘Art’
The term art, in the way we are familiar with it today, is first known to be used sometime in the early 17th century. The distinction between a fine artist and an artisan or craftsperson did not always exist. In fact, it wasn’t until the Renaissance that Western based artists began to be recognized as ‘fine’ artists.
Meanwhile, in Africa and non-western regions art was diverse and vibrant, reflecting the cultural and social values of different regions and societies. Art in Africa and other continents was characterized by a focus on the human form, symbolism, and spirituality. Traditional art forms included sculpture, masks, textiles, and pottery, and were often created for religious and ceremonial purposes.
The Personal and Subjective Nature of Art
One reason why art is so difficult to define is that interacting with art is a deeply personal and subjective process. It often evokes emotional responses and unique associations in each viewer, creating a highly individual experience. One’s personality, predisposition, and background are all revealed when indulging in and determining what can be labeled as art. Different people, cultures and societies have their own ideas about what qualifies as art making it difficult to arrive at a single definition.
As we all know the concept of beauty cannot be universally applied. Different people, cultures and societies have their own ideas about what qualifies as beautiful. The beauty of art is that it is not a fixed notion with a single perception.
The Concept of Creativity in Art
The dictionary defines creativity as the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination: At its core, creativity involves using imagination and ingenuity to generate something unique and new.
Creativity is crucial in the artistic process because it allows artists to express their unique perspectives and create something that is at once original and meaningful. We have a visceral response to anything that we interpret as creative and new. It just draws us in! Without creativity, art would become stale and repetitive.
Art as a Reflection of Society
Throughout history, art has been perceived in many different ways. In ancient times, art was often associated with religion and spirituality. Religious art often used symbolism and allegory to convey complex theological concepts.
Art has always played an important role in society. From the Medu Netjer (Hieroglyphics) of ancient Egypt to the contemporary art scene of today, art has been used to express ideas, tell stories, and reflect the values and beliefs of the society in which it was created.
Art can be seen as a mirror of society and historical insights, reflecting the cultural, political, religious, and social contexts of its time. In this sense, art is not just a form of entertainment or decoration, but a powerful tool for understanding the world around us. Moreover, art can serve as a catalyst for social change. Throughout history, artists have used their work to challenge dominant narratives and express dissenting voices. Art has the ability to provoke thought, stimulate discussion, and inspire action.
This can be seen expressed during The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s which was a significant period in the evolution of Black art, as artists and writers in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City challenged the prevailing stereotypes and racism of the era. Artists such as Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence, and Augusta Savage created powerful artworks that celebrated Black culture and identity.
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s and continuing to the present has marked a significant turning point in the evolution of Black art, as artists began to use their art as a tool for social and political change. The Black Power movement of the 1960s and 1970s further emphasized the importance of Black art as a means of expressing Black identity and challenging the dominant narratives of history. Artists such as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, and Faith Ringgold created powerful artworks that reflected the struggles and triumphs of the Black community.
Ever Evolving Art
In the 20th century, art underwent a significant transformation with the emergence of modern art movements such as cubism, surrealism, pop art, abstract expressionism, and afrofuturism. These movements were characterized by a focus on abstraction, experimentation, and the rejection of traditional artistic conventions. Modern art challenged traditional notions of representation and aesthetics, leading to an evolving definition of what art could be. This period also saw the emergence of new forms of art such as performance art, installation art, and conceptual art.
In the contemporary art world, Black artists continue to challenge and expand the boundaries of art, exploring new forms, techniques, and themes. Black artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby have gained international recognition for their powerful artworks that explore issues of race, identity, and history.
Is this the Future?
One of the most recent examples of the ever-evolving concept of art is the emergence of NFTs. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are digital assets that are verified on a blockchain. They have become increasingly popular in the art world, with artists using them to sell digital artwork. Some have even sold for millions of dollars at auction. The rise of NFTs has sparked a debate about whether or not they qualify as art. There are arguments on each side.
Throughout history, art has continually evolved and changed in response to new ideas, technologies, and cultural shifts. The future of art is likely to continue this trend, with new forms of art emerging and traditional forms evolving.
Final Thoughts
The question of what is art is a complex and multifaceted one. It encompasses a wide range of mediums, styles, and purposes, and is open to interpretation and personal experience. Art is a fluid concept that is constantly evolving. We can and should continue to challenge traditional definitions of art.
When viewing art, it is important to approach it with an open mind and to allow yourself to be affected by it in your own unique way. By doing so, you can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the artist’s intent, the work, and maybe even learn a little more about yourself in the process.
Ultimately, the answer to the question “What is art?”, is that it can be a deeply personal and subjective experience that is unique to each individual. In the end, art is what you think and feel it is.