What is Art? Reflection
My belief that art is human, has not changed. However my perception of what art is has changed a lot. My definition of art, and what pieces can be categorized into the definition of “art” has become much more narrow. Previously, I stated, “Art is humanistic and subjective, thus the definition relies on everyone’s interpretation”. My previous understanding of art was very open-ended, additionally, it was left to interpretation. Now though, I am much more strict in my own interpretation of what specific pieces can be classified as art. Through taking this class, my opinion has skewed, to the fact that I believe that everything can be defined as art or not. While others, who took this class, could say they see more things as art, my perception is very different now. With viewing all the art that was presented throughout the class, I have a better knowledge of what art really can be.
One very naive statement, that I introduced in my previous essay, was the idea of self expression. While I do not contest the action of expressing one's self, I do contest if that expression is art. I previously stated, “Self expression is the other part of art. Art is both understanding and creating. With the ability to create art, gives the ability to critique art. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to appreciate art. This appreciation has to stem from the fact that the artist spent a multitude of time to create this artwork”. Although, I have some valid points, my idealism blinds my understanding of art. As I think I am more mature now, I think that that idea of art is generous. I am very open to the introduction of more “art pieces”, yet I am also much more critical if these new pieces are truly art. Self expression is not always art. Many things can have artistic value, but are not art. Furthermore, time does not always creates art. “Art” that took an abundant amount of time could still not be finished, or even have artistic value. This elongated piece of work could be the farthest thing from art, yet time and effort does not automatically make it art.
Although some of my previous comments might have been naive, ignorant, or innocent, there was some ideas that hold truth. My idea that: “Furthermore, art needs to be appreciated, yet not enjoyed. Appreciating art allows for more art to be created, expanding the horizons for artistic understanding” bridges my ideas from this point into the year and my points at the beginning of the year. Art needs to be created and it needs to be critiqued. My rigid definitions, that are still new, allows for my own taste in art. However, the idea that art is ever expanding, allows for these definitions to be broken. My strict and critical ideas of art, now have the ability to be changed and that is exciting. My innocent nature that everything is art is boring, but allowing for myself to be surprised is something interesting. Additionally, this concept allows for discussion. If everyone believed that everything is art, it would restrict the ability to disagree and discover new points of views.
These new ideas, that counter my previous idealism, may be cynical, but I believe it is well placed. I am no art curator or expert, but this class has opened my eyes to what I think I can define as art. I never want artists to stop trying new and inventive ways of creating art. The beauty of art is their ability to create it, and my ability to critique it. That connects both of my ideals from the beginning of the year to the end.
This critical interpretation of art stems from one art piece. Fountain, by Marcel Duchamp really made me question my previous ideals. That Dada artwork lead me down a path of criticism and narrowing my ideas about anything, and everything is art. While I still appreciate anything that wants to be defined as art, that art piece now makes me question if it really is art.
My belief that art is human, has not changed. However my perception of what art is has changed a lot. My definition of art, and what pieces can be categorized into the definition of “art” has become much more narrow. Previously, I stated, “Art is humanistic and subjective, thus the definition relies on everyone’s interpretation”. My previous understanding of art was very open-ended, additionally, it was left to interpretation. Now though, I am much more strict in my own interpretation of what specific pieces can be classified as art. Through taking this class, my opinion has skewed, to the fact that I believe that everything can be defined as art or not. While others, who took this class, could say they see more things as art, my perception is very different now. With viewing all the art that was presented throughout the class, I have a better knowledge of what art really can be.
One very naive statement, that I introduced in my previous essay, was the idea of self expression. While I do not contest the action of expressing one's self, I do contest if that expression is art. I previously stated, “Self expression is the other part of art. Art is both understanding and creating. With the ability to create art, gives the ability to critique art. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to appreciate art. This appreciation has to stem from the fact that the artist spent a multitude of time to create this artwork”. Although, I have some valid points, my idealism blinds my understanding of art. As I think I am more mature now, I think that that idea of art is generous. I am very open to the introduction of more “art pieces”, yet I am also much more critical if these new pieces are truly art. Self expression is not always art. Many things can have artistic value, but are not art. Furthermore, time does not always creates art. “Art” that took an abundant amount of time could still not be finished, or even have artistic value. This elongated piece of work could be the farthest thing from art, yet time and effort does not automatically make it art.
Although some of my previous comments might have been naive, ignorant, or innocent, there was some ideas that hold truth. My idea that: “Furthermore, art needs to be appreciated, yet not enjoyed. Appreciating art allows for more art to be created, expanding the horizons for artistic understanding” bridges my ideas from this point into the year and my points at the beginning of the year. Art needs to be created and it needs to be critiqued. My rigid definitions, that are still new, allows for my own taste in art. However, the idea that art is ever expanding, allows for these definitions to be broken. My strict and critical ideas of art, now have the ability to be changed and that is exciting. My innocent nature that everything is art is boring, but allowing for myself to be surprised is something interesting. Additionally, this concept allows for discussion. If everyone believed that everything is art, it would restrict the ability to disagree and discover new points of views.
These new ideas, that counter my previous idealism, may be cynical, but I believe it is well placed. I am no art curator or expert, but this class has opened my eyes to what I think I can define as art. I never want artists to stop trying new and inventive ways of creating art. The beauty of art is their ability to create it, and my ability to critique it. That connects both of my ideals from the beginning of the year to the end.
This critical interpretation of art stems from one art piece. Fountain, by Marcel Duchamp really made me question my previous ideals. That Dada artwork lead me down a path of criticism and narrowing my ideas about anything, and everything is art. While I still appreciate anything that wants to be defined as art, that art piece now makes me question if it really is art.
