WHAT IS ART?

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.