Definition Essay : Defining Art

Artists try to portray their views of human ideas, cultures, and lifestyles through their art. Art is defined as “the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” Each artist has their own style due to the fact each person sees everything in their own way.

Rathnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South and Madonna Enthroned are very similar images that were produced by very different cultures. Both images were produced during the 13th Century. The image of Rathnasambhava, the Transcendent Buddha of the South was produced in Tibet during an interesting period of the country’s religious history. The branch of Tibetan Buddhism is led by a religious and sometimes political leader called the Dalai Lama. It was during the 13th Century during the reign of Kublai Khan, around the time of the production of this painting, that Tibet experienced the first incarnation of the Dalai Lama. One has to wonder if this painting is somehow related to that occurrence. According to

What is art? Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Art can be classified in many different ways, and nobody has the right to turn down someone else's creations whether they are an art critic or just a friend. In both “The Soul of Capitalism” by Robert Collins and “When Canada Met Andy” by Nancy Tousley, a talented artists finds a way to create something new with a unique technique.

Maggie Saldivar starts off with a description of her own experience with defining Art. She recounts the beginning of her class when the teacher declares that everyone should assemble their own definition

Presenter: Welcome. Welcome, to the national radio, bringing you the latest news, and updates. Today we have a special guest speaker, all the way from France... I am happy to present Mr. Daumier, the famous 19th century painter.

Upon glancing at various beautiful paintings there is to offer at the Museum of Fine Arts, only one astonishing artwork caught my immediate attention. The artwork is named “The Windmill on the Onbekende Gracht, Amsterdam” and it was painted by Claude Monet of the impressionist period in 1879. The medium is oil which is used for the oil painting on a canvas. Besides the subject matter, the content of the overall painting represents a serene and beautiful setting in which one can take ease and enjoy. It is a breathtaking view that captures a fleeting moment of a town setting by the riverside. Furthermore, the title also signifies the importance of the central object, which is the windmill.

In Bruce W. Fergusons essay on “Exhibition Rhetorics” he uses the phrase "strategic system of representations" to describe exhibitions. This essay will discuss what he means by this phrase, why this is socially and politically significant, and provide an example of a historic exhibition where “strategic systems of representations” was evident. Exhibitions have motives which extend beyond the walls of art institutions. We know this because Ferguson characterises exhibitions as “strategic systems of representation; strategies whose aim is the wholesale conversion of its audience to sets of prescribed values to alter social relations” (Greenberg, Reesa, Bruce W. Ferguson, and Sandy Nairne 1996, pg.178).

“The Madonna and Child with Saint Anne and an Angel” is an art piece with many different art principles and elements that are conveyed in such a manor that alludes complexity and great importance. The picture consists of four individuals- an angel, a baby, a Madonna or mother, and Saint Anne. The baby, cradled and asleep, is being overlooked by an angel, as the angel seems to be covering the child with a white blanket and much great care. Contrary to modern pictures, the angel has black wings wearing normal clothes similar to that of the mother and Saint. An important characteristic of the baby is that he has bright blonde and orange hair, a trait that resembles Jesus Christ. The mother and Saint Anne seem to be having a very important face-to-face discussion. All characters in the painting, including the child, are wearing late 15th century early 16th century clothing (rags and clothe looking material dresses) and recognizable colors.

Every culture around the world has its own idea of what art is, and within each of those cultures, every individual has their own idea as well. Also what one may see as art may mean nothing to another. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to have one universal, or even local, definition for art. This debate on deciding whether something should be considered as art or has always been a present and will surely continue since there is no specific definition for art. However, taking things to a personal point of view, two essential aspects I think are necessary for something to be considered as art, first is that it should have some aesthetic feature to it in a way and second, that the artist should have a significant role in the creation of the artwork. Therefore, the controversial artwork I chose is called Fountain by Marcel Duchamp which is a ‘readymade’ urinal which obviously is not appealing to the eyes and Duchamp had barely anything to do with its creation.

Art is an object or piece of work that brings one pleasure. Art is also something you see or feel and you cannot even begin to describe the ways you like it or how it makes you feel. Art is something that portrays beauty and happiness. Art lets you see the world through another person’s perspective. Most art seems to tell a story about where a person has been and the things they have encountered along the way. It lets you connect with the artist and see things through their eyes. Art is a way of expressing one’s self without words. When I think of art, I think of paintings, portraits, sketches, and sculptures.

Debate over the definition of art has developed for hundreds, if not thousands of years. People have spent millions of dollars and given years of their lives to the craft called art. However, there has not been an agreement on what the definition of art is because it tends to be a very vague concept incorporating many cultures and ideas. It has proven itself to be an effective tool in the human expression over the years preserving deep and personal feelings along with history. Art can be defined as the creation of beauty through expression with skillful use of creativity, design, and manipulation of the viewers’ emotions.

Art is personal; an expression of inner thoughts and desires, affecting the way I not only see the world but myself. In order for a person to grow they must know who they are, their aspirations, the true nature of their thoughts, and their actuality of their persona; the physicality of art has given me this knowledge. With practicing in the arts I am able to grow as a person and I am able to see that growth within me.  For with the expression of creativity, comes an outlet, an outlet of the unconscious, forming and showing the reality of the mind. This outlet releases internal emotions and helps me to find tranquility within myself. This state of mind is a supplement for my own personal problems.  Also, I am able to create new ideas, ones that help me see the world in a new light. I am able to form a relaxing and mesmerizing state of mind, one that leaves me fascinated with the world around me, along with a deep love for simplicity.  Visual arts have truly given me an insight on my own mind and happiness in my life. This is why I full-heartedly believe and practice in the arts, to find peace of mind, not in the world, but in myself.

Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary[1][1] defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also, works so produced.” This definition is inclusive of most forms of art. Unfortunately, art goes far beyond this limiting sentence. Art can be thoughts, aesthetic creations, musical compositions, or choreography. Art can be seen, heard, and/or felt. Art is concrete and abstract, at the same time. Art is expression and emotion. Art is anything.

The history of art dates back to ancient times. Artwork can be, and was, found around the world. What makes art interesting is that it can be created in any way, shape or form with any materials. It seems that the artwork can also tell us a lot about the artist. Art seems to be simply, a direct, visual reflection of the artist’s life. Therefore, one can assume that an artist’s life experiences and beliefs directly influence their art. If we look at examples from different periods of art we will be able to see the connection between the artist and the art.

Art is a form of human expression. Art can be seen as the artist sleight of hand on his mood. Art is in various media from posters to public wall of which we call “graffiti”. Art is elusive as the use of colors shapes and the surface used adds a new dimension. Art portrays various ideas, feelings such as triumph, love, happiness, sorrow and boredom in loss to mention a few. Art is beauty and creativity. During man’s evolution art has progressed over in its most primitive state up to its most modernized versions today.