Art: In the Eye of the Beholder
In many ways, attempting to singularly define art defeats the very purpose of art. Everyone interprets art in their own unique way. Everyone has a different reaction and takeaway from art; they have their own personal experience with each form of art they encounter. This is what makes art, well, art. And it is the very reason why art is so difficult to singularly define. By trying to define art, I omit all other opinions and cannot speak for everyone. Everyone must develop their own definition of art. Each individual’s life has a different set of experiences and develops a different perspective that I will never live or fully understand. Consequently, I decided to do some research and find what these perspectives were on this question of “What is Art?” so I could maybe learn the influence of art on the people around me and how their personal definitions reflected their lives.
As I listened to the thoughts of people of a wide range of professions and ages, I realized that each of their perspectives made sense to me, but I still stayed true to my original belief, that art cannot be singularly defined. To me, that is the essence of art. Ultimately art is subjective. It is like beauty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I find that anything can be art. If you think something is art, if it feeds your imagination, thoughts, or feelings, than it is art. Art does not have to mean traditional painting, sculpture, photography, music, or fashion. You do not have to like art to appreciate it and it does not have to be traditionally or conventionally beautiful.
Although we cannot define art, art defines us. Art influences movements, defines centuries, and connects us to each other. It gives us emotion, feelings, faith, wonder, and imagination. Art is a reflection of the human race and our story. Each movement of art is characterized by different traits. These traits are a reflection of what people thought needed to be expressed - whether that was scientists’ new theories, reactions to major events, or fears/concerns of the time. For example, Pop Art from the 1960s symbolizes mass consumerism and conformity in society. It challenged the individual during that time to question their worth, role, and value of life. It helped cause a spiritual movement and change. In this way art is also essential for the human race in order to grow and advance as a society.
After taking art history, my perception of what art is has expanded. Art plays a much larger part in history than I originally thought. The functions of artwork can be so much more than marks on a piece of paper. Art can be sacred, it can allow people to explore their beliefs and soul. Art can supply hope and feeling. It can create war, but it can also heal. It is open for those who are open to receive it; it is for those who are open to becoming enlightened, bettered. Art is a freedom. Art is power. With art one can create and evoke others to be. Art is connection between people and creates a connection deeper with in one’s self. It enforces one to think and question reality.
The way I approach art has drastically changed even if my definition of art has not changed that much. Now, I am both more critical and observant while viewing art. I can now understand why people spend hours in front of single paintings in museums. Art is captivating. It is reality in a whole new dimension. More people should be taking art history and at a younger age. It exemplifies how an individual can express themselves or make a statement without having to write an essay. It is a way to understand yourself in ways that words cannot express. It is essential in understanding humanity and human emotion.
In many ways, attempting to singularly define art defeats the very purpose of art. Everyone interprets art in their own unique way. Everyone has a different reaction and takeaway from art; they have their own personal experience with each form of art they encounter. This is what makes art, well, art. And it is the very reason why art is so difficult to singularly define. By trying to define art, I omit all other opinions and cannot speak for everyone. Everyone must develop their own definition of art. Each individual’s life has a different set of experiences and develops a different perspective that I will never live or fully understand. Consequently, I decided to do some research and find what these perspectives were on this question of “What is Art?” so I could maybe learn the influence of art on the people around me and how their personal definitions reflected their lives.
As I listened to the thoughts of people of a wide range of professions and ages, I realized that each of their perspectives made sense to me, but I still stayed true to my original belief, that art cannot be singularly defined. To me, that is the essence of art. Ultimately art is subjective. It is like beauty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I find that anything can be art. If you think something is art, if it feeds your imagination, thoughts, or feelings, than it is art. Art does not have to mean traditional painting, sculpture, photography, music, or fashion. You do not have to like art to appreciate it and it does not have to be traditionally or conventionally beautiful.
Although we cannot define art, art defines us. Art influences movements, defines centuries, and connects us to each other. It gives us emotion, feelings, faith, wonder, and imagination. Art is a reflection of the human race and our story. Each movement of art is characterized by different traits. These traits are a reflection of what people thought needed to be expressed - whether that was scientists’ new theories, reactions to major events, or fears/concerns of the time. For example, Pop Art from the 1960s symbolizes mass consumerism and conformity in society. It challenged the individual during that time to question their worth, role, and value of life. It helped cause a spiritual movement and change. In this way art is also essential for the human race in order to grow and advance as a society.
After taking art history, my perception of what art is has expanded. Art plays a much larger part in history than I originally thought. The functions of artwork can be so much more than marks on a piece of paper. Art can be sacred, it can allow people to explore their beliefs and soul. Art can supply hope and feeling. It can create war, but it can also heal. It is open for those who are open to receive it; it is for those who are open to becoming enlightened, bettered. Art is a freedom. Art is power. With art one can create and evoke others to be. Art is connection between people and creates a connection deeper with in one’s self. It enforces one to think and question reality.
The way I approach art has drastically changed even if my definition of art has not changed that much. Now, I am both more critical and observant while viewing art. I can now understand why people spend hours in front of single paintings in museums. Art is captivating. It is reality in a whole new dimension. More people should be taking art history and at a younger age. It exemplifies how an individual can express themselves or make a statement without having to write an essay. It is a way to understand yourself in ways that words cannot express. It is essential in understanding humanity and human emotion.
