What is "Art"?

Not so much a poll, in fact not a poll at all, but a collection of opinions on what "art" is.

Does art exist to provoke a response whether negative or positive? Does it exist to put a picture to an escape from reality? Or is art just what you call something when you don't understand it? How do you feel about what is considered art and what do you think it's purpose is?

I think it's primary function is to give others a form to your fantasy. Sometimes it's refreshing to see art that is a reflection of how life is in the negative here was an airbrush artist that appeared in American Artist more than 15 years ago that painted subway distressed scenes but I would prefer art to let me see something else that can't happen in real life (surrealism) or something that should happen (tranquil landscapes). I've had enough of real life, I don't want to see more of it.

Greetings,
I'm kind of late to adding anything to this post, but here goes. First of all, I think we are all artists in our own way. I work with young kids who are pure artists. They lose that purity as they grow older because of the academic demands of school - they are taught to be left-brain thinkers and they lose their right-brain creativity. We all have a creative spark instilled in us by the Creator...not one God (Jeez, I'm a Pagan for cripe sakes!), but by the Creator of the Universe. This spark is either developed or not depending on our upbringing and other influences. This is just my opinion and could be considered hooey by anyone else Anyhow, as far as what art is...that's in the eye, mind, and especially HEART of the person who creates it. I draw and paint pictures of people here because I love them. That is the only way I can truly express that love. I draw and paint other things...landscapes, etc because I am moved by the image in reality or my mind. What it looks like is up to me...if I am happy with it, then cool. If not, then I try again until I get it right in my mind. The picture I did of Vampira is a perfect example. I am not totally happy with it because she wasn't...and I thought I could've done a better job. So, I will try again, but it won't be the same kind of image, something more in line with who I think she is...and she is DEFINITELY NOT a witch! Well, not an ugly nasty witch anyway Oh jeez, there I go rambling - I hope I make sense and I apologize for going on and on. I have just one thing more to say...create! Express yourselves in whatever way you feel appropriate...and I will love you for whatever it's worth!
Dark and Sweet Blessings to ALL of you artists!

ravengrim wrote:

I'm not an artist so my opinion is probably worthless but for what it's worth, I think art is something that exsists to make a person think.If something can lift you out of that tiny place you exsist in and make you notice the world around you then that is what art is(at least to me).

Very well put, you said a few words what I tried to say in way too many!

To communicate with shapes and sound, invent thoughts with language, tell a story with movements and forms. Not just limited to paint upon a canvas or a material carved into shape, but any object that is manipulated by one person's creativity, into something new or different; even the 'art' I find completely dull or uninteresting.

I wrote a whole paper on what art is for a creative writing class last year. That would *really* come in handy right now...

I think there are two definitions of art. they go with its two different purposes.

-To be ascetically pleasing

-To make people think and question things. Beauty doesn't really interest me but opinions do, thoughts, concepts and how to show them are very interesting to me and so I love this kind of art.

Spooky wrote:

To communicate with shapes and sound, invent thoughts with language, tell a story with movements and forms. Not just limited to paint upon a canvas or a material carved into shape, but any object that is manipulated by one person's creativity, into something new or different; even the 'art' I find completely dull or uninteresting.

I agree with all of your views. I'm citing Spooky's here because he nailed the definition of visual art that I think is at its core: communication. Art is visual language.

I've been working at an art gallery in the south for 8 1/2 years, and there's a lot of confusion here about art and its purpose. Some people here think art is confusing and expensive and nothing else. And while it can be both those things, its main purpose is communication -- whether the work says "question authority" or "hey look at this shade of blue."

I wish more people considered art an asset to a full and educated life. But that's one more reason why I enjoy posting here -- I get to talk with people who do feel that way.

A concept of imagination.

Up to individual interpretation - I know nothing about art but I know what I like

cynfullov wrote:

A concept of imagination.

If it pleases my eyes then it is a work of art

If it doesn't then its *****

helen damnation wrote:

Up to individual interpretation - I know nothing about art but I know what I like

That's all you need to know, in a lot of cases!

Beside what's been said here, which I agree with, I think art is a way to see the world from another person's perspective. You're getting a small glimpse into their mind. I love how several artists can draw a picture of a single person, and all of them will be unique portraits in their own way.

helen damnation wrote:

Up to individual interpretation

Agreed!

A lot of people debate what art is, and there never seem to be clear-cut lines as to what is and is not art. Even with a strong background in art, this is how I see it.

My interpretation is that it must be made by the artist, or if it is a collaborative piece, have credit given where it is due. It also ought to have strong concept behind it, or, if not that, then it must have function; I don't go for simply "pretty" art.
Granted a lot of people will disagree with this, and where I see beautifully executed conceptual work, they will see rubbish; just as others will see beautifully sculpted or painted decorative pieces and I will see nonnery.

I still don't know what Art is, I know what I like and I know what I dont like but is that art or just my perception of art? Then again is art just perception?

Theres this and how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? The world may never know