WHAT IS ART?
Have you ever wondered why something is called art? We
all see examples of poorly executed art or just art we dislike, but it might
still be art. The reason: art is categorized such as any work in visual,
musical, communication, creative writing, or performance, whether or not done
well. You may have heard statements by museum visitors such as, “They call that
art?” Their voices audibly apply extra question marks and exclamation points.
A good definition for a broad perspective of art: anything that
is done well, such as exceptionally good food, fashion design, speaking,
comedy, and so forth. The category can be extended almost ad infinitum. It is
an opening for expressions of excellence in many venues.
So, what does it mean to be “done well”? Of course, opinions of
those without visual art training will most likely judge a piece of visual art
subjectively, according to their preferences. Good art principles and design
can be understood intuitively, but my observation is that most without training
judge a painting, sculpture, or whatever on subject matter. Sentiment is considered more
important than understanding why the quality is either good or bad and allows
them to hang something inferior on the wall, but still think it is worth it. Sentiment is important and definitely has its perks, but if the execution of the art is poor or mediocre, then after a while, it becomes merely a decoration, losing its attraction and simply filling
space.
I seldom browse a Christian bookstore’s gift section. Some
reproductions are done well, but most I would call mediocre. Sentiment is the
only reason for purchasing. It is “expected” art with expected subject matter
to be displayed as a sign of a believer occupying the house. I would call much
of it “dust-catchers” that have lost their impact through over-reproduction.
The broadest definition of art would be anything done well in any
category, i.e. the art of cooking, the art of communication, and such. The art
of good visual art would include adherence to the major principles of harmony in good
composition, tone, value, line variation, and more, even to some examples that “break
the rules.”
Now, what would you say art is? I look forward to your
comments.
