An Object With Meaning
Art, by definition, is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Although this may be the overall definition of art, how can one be in charge of defining such a broad region, when art may mean different things to each individual? We can not. Art throughout the years has always been changing, and it will continue to change because everyone has their own definition of art, and as one generation turns into the next, a new form of art will be created based on the current culture and society. Therefore, art to me, is not the formal definition by any means, but any outlet form chosen by the artist at the time, to release any expression they choose.
Before taking part in the AP Art History class, my view on what art is was limited, because I was not yet knowledgeable enough to know what art really is. Through this class, I have came to the conclusion that there is absolutely no boundary of an object being art. The Fountain, for example, is considered art. If I was asked anytime before studying that artwork, I would have said it was not considered art, because Duchamp did nothing to it besides sign his name and locate the urinal to a new location. However, now I realize after not only studying art, but also further learning about artists and various techniques, that The Fountain is technically a ready- made. By learning about art and movements through the class has changed my view on art because I now understand the concept and idea behind Duchamp’s artwork, making it feel meaningful to me.
In addition, understanding the meaning of a painting, the function of a sculpture, or having some knowledge of the meaning of something, makes it feel like art. I have discovered through APAH that anything can be art, as long as it has some meaning. For example, The Slave Ship by Turner, everyone can see it is art, but to the viewer, it does not feel like art until the viewer knows the meaning of it representing the struggles of the slaves and the illegal actions taken in order to make money.
Therefore, the definition of art can so large, and the variety of art forms are so vast, it is immensely hard to define what art is in a couple sentences, so, my opinion of what art is never ending. However, I believe anything can be considered art to an artist, but it can only be considered art to the viewer or user of the artwork if they truly understand the meaning of the art.
Works Cited:
Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 08 Sept. 2015. <http://dictionary.reference.com/ browse/art>.
Eaton, Marcia Muelder. "Philosophical Aesthetics: A Way of Knowing and Its Limits." Journal of Aesthetic Education 28.3 (1994): 19. Web.
Art, by definition, is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. Although this may be the overall definition of art, how can one be in charge of defining such a broad region, when art may mean different things to each individual? We can not. Art throughout the years has always been changing, and it will continue to change because everyone has their own definition of art, and as one generation turns into the next, a new form of art will be created based on the current culture and society. Therefore, art to me, is not the formal definition by any means, but any outlet form chosen by the artist at the time, to release any expression they choose.
Before taking part in the AP Art History class, my view on what art is was limited, because I was not yet knowledgeable enough to know what art really is. Through this class, I have came to the conclusion that there is absolutely no boundary of an object being art. The Fountain, for example, is considered art. If I was asked anytime before studying that artwork, I would have said it was not considered art, because Duchamp did nothing to it besides sign his name and locate the urinal to a new location. However, now I realize after not only studying art, but also further learning about artists and various techniques, that The Fountain is technically a ready- made. By learning about art and movements through the class has changed my view on art because I now understand the concept and idea behind Duchamp’s artwork, making it feel meaningful to me.
In addition, understanding the meaning of a painting, the function of a sculpture, or having some knowledge of the meaning of something, makes it feel like art. I have discovered through APAH that anything can be art, as long as it has some meaning. For example, The Slave Ship by Turner, everyone can see it is art, but to the viewer, it does not feel like art until the viewer knows the meaning of it representing the struggles of the slaves and the illegal actions taken in order to make money.
Therefore, the definition of art can so large, and the variety of art forms are so vast, it is immensely hard to define what art is in a couple sentences, so, my opinion of what art is never ending. However, I believe anything can be considered art to an artist, but it can only be considered art to the viewer or user of the artwork if they truly understand the meaning of the art.
Works Cited:
Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 08 Sept. 2015. <http://dictionary.reference.com/ browse/art>.
Eaton, Marcia Muelder. "Philosophical Aesthetics: A Way of Knowing and Its Limits." Journal of Aesthetic Education 28.3 (1994): 19. Web.
