What is Art

Art is a message. The message is revealed through the artist’s work. This work may be ordinary to one and extraordinary to another. The simplest example can be seen in something we all have done. Everyone has played with crayons at some point in their early years. To most people, a four-year old’s work may seem far from a masterpiece. Most kindergartners don’t draw lily pads or starry nights. They find no meaning and can’t send a message through these entities. Instead, most kindergartners draw pictures of their parents or families. A parent will usually become touched when they see their child’s thoughts represented through that picture. Children are revealing that they love and care about their families. This message is incredibly significant to the parents who dedicate their lives to the wellness of their children.

When examining art through more complex examples, the fundamentals still do not change. The artist creates the art to send a message to the viewer or viewers. The art does not have to be expensive nor come from a famous artist. The artist’s message may be obvious or open to interpretation. This gives art the possibility of being so vast and so unique.

Another take on what is art....

        I think art is a form of expression. Art is a way to convey emotions, tone, and feelings. It is a subject area not unlike writing where it is as dependent on the observer or reader as it is the creator. While there are many forms of art not all are recognized by all individuals. Art is part of a cycle; it determines part of our perspective of the world and our perspective of the world determines how we view art. There should be a reaction when one views art, positive or negative, profound or subtle, appealing or disgust, it does not matter but art again similar to writing should have an impact on its viewers.

        Art may not have any value to anyone other than the artist. It may not be appreciated at the current time or ever. The most skilled detailed work can hang on a library wall passed by hundreds of times a day without a second glance. It may be produced in a second grade classroom with limited to no skill yet hung proudly on the refrigerator and cherished. All this being said it is impossible to truly nail down what art is in two hundred words. There is no bright line test but rather shades of gray as individuals continue to shape and cause debate to what the world views as worthy of the title art.