So what is Art? If you’re here you’ve surely encounter this question in one form or another. Maybe you’ve contemplated a white painting wondering “is this really art?” or you’ve looked at a Picasso trying to understand why everyone is so obsessed with his squared figures. At the end of the day, it all comes down to one problem: you’re questioning the nature of art.
Art definition is an interesting problem, because as simple as it sounds, the more you learn, the more complex it gets. While doing some research I stumbled upon dozens of definitions ranging from the most democratic “art is whatever anyone decides it is because it’s subjective” to the most intellectually confusing “art is a manifestation of transcendental beauty”.
After days of reading papers, I came to the conclusion that there’s no universal definition of art and there will never be. Art is a concept so elusive that it’s impossible to encapsulate it within a fixed set of words.
Now, let me explain myself.
The problem with defining art
Let’s take a look at the traditional definitions of art. Among them you would find ideas along the line of “art is the expression of feelings, imagination and creativity”, or “art is a representation of the world through an artist’s lens”, etc…
All of which struggle with three major flaws:
- They beat around the bush
Instead of defining art itself, they describe attributes of art.
If you’re told that art is the “expression of someone’s emotions through creativity” what you’ve got there is a description of what art does – expression of emotions – and what it involves – creativity. But it doesn’t get to the core of art. It’s like saying an apple is a grown food tended by gardeners, rather than saying what it really is – a fruit.
- They’re unstable and culturally biased
These definitions shift constantly like chameleons shaped to the cultural and temporal context in which they exist.
Consider the Middle Ages, the era of Christianity, where art was seen as “an incarnation of God’s divine order.” Fast forward to the Renaissance, the age of humanism and scientific progress, and suddenly, art is hailed as “the most elevated demonstration of human virtuosity.” Then comes the Enlightenment, the era of thinking, and art transforms into the abstract belief of “an aesthetic experience.”
- They miss the full spectrum of art
Definitions often fail to account for the entirety of what art is. They either tend to be overly broad, encompassing non-artistic things, or too restrictive, excluding entire categories of art.
Let’s say that art is “a human creation that provides aesthetic pleasure”. If it’s true, then virtually any pleasing picture could be art – even your family photos. Inversely, any unpleasant creation is not art – like shock art specifically designed to disturb and disgust.
Why is art so difficult to grasp?
Attempting to define art is like trying to pour an ocean into a teacup. Art has an elusive and boundless nature that is impossible to contain within words.
Because, unlike rocks or water which have distinct properties, art is a human experience. It exists solely within the human mind. Which makes it as intricate as the human mind. Imagine our psyche as a bustling marketplace of thoughts, perceptions, feelings, senses and so on. Art is flying above this market, taking in the waves of this mental commotion.
Yet, it doesn’t stop at the mind’s doorstep. Art extends into the broader human community, mingling with relationships, values, economics, politics, and every facet of society. As both minds and cultures evolve, art undergoes perpetual transformation, taking on countless forms and interpretations. It’s been a companion to humanity since time immemorial, evolving alongside us.
How could we ever begin to encapsulate all that in just a few words?
In fact, art’s very essence resists definitions. Definitions, by nature, set boundaries on concepts to help our brain comprehend and differentiate them. Yet, art thrives in breaking boundaries. It continually challenges norms as it shifts from one style to another. It blurs the lines between itself and other forms of human creation – think about design, crafts or architecture which oscillate between functionality and artistic expression.
Consider, too, that art is inherently creative. Creativity is about forging new connections between ideas, and in that sense, art has no limits beyond human imagination. It’s impossible to predict what the art of tomorrow will be, but its potential is endless.
How can you define something limitless and forever on the edge what has yet to exist?
And fascinating enough, in the midst of this vast complexity, most of us can recognize art, even without formal knowledge of it. I like to think about art as more of a gut feeling than a concept to be boxed-in.
Art definitions simply explained
Then why even bother delving into the concept of art if it’s such an undefinable entity? I believe there’s tremendous value in exploring others’ outlook on this concept. The most apparent to me being the opportunity to experience art from fresh angles as you discover what it means for others.
Broadly speaking, all definitions of art can be grouped into tree categories.
- Philosophic Definitions: Philosophers seek to uncover the essence of art, attempting to identify what truly distinguishes something as art. These definitions include some of the most classic views:
- Art as a representation of the world, rooted in the ancient Greek concept of mimesis (greek for imitation)
- Art as a medium for expressing 1) artists’ inner emotions, 2) messages, mainly opinions, 3) transcendental truths
- Art as beauty, not just any kind of beauty, but the type of beauty that leads to aesthetic experience – a form of disinterested, universal and harmonious pleasure.
- Art as an artistic intent, often referred to as intentionalism. This perspective asserts that art is born from the deliberate act of the creator to make art. Art lies within the artist’s intention, rather than aesthetic qualities.
Leonardo Da Vinci, The Last Supper, 1495-1498, mural painting, 460cm x 880cm (Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Milan)
How a painting mirrors human nature
“The Last Supper” portrays the biblical event of Jesus Christ sharing his final meal with his disciples, and confessing that one of them will betray him. Look at each disciple’s face and posture: Da Vinci meticulously conveyed their facial expressions, gestures and interactions, you can almost read their inner thoughts. The fresco is exploring the themes of betrayal, loyalty and faith, and seem to reveal the subtle dynamics of human relationships.
Marcel Duchamp, Fountain, ready-made, 1917, 68cm x 48cm x 35cm (Tate Modern, London)
How intent makes art
“Fountain” is a controversial artwork consisting of a urinal turned on its back and signed “R.Mutt”. The significance of Fountain fully lies in its intentional concept. Duchamp argued that the act of choosing the object and placing it in an art exhibition was sufficient to transform into art. This provocative statement sparked debates within the art community by pushing the boundaries of art.
- Academic Definitions: Academics take a different approach by examining the network of institutions, individuals and practices related to art – the art world. Within the art world, they investigate the processes that make certain things into art. There are two key aspects here:
- Art by art world decision, wherein something becomes art if it meets two criteria: 1) someone legitimate within the art world designates it as art and 2) it is widely acknowledged as art by participants of the art world.
- Art by relation to the past, wherein something becomes art if it shares similarities with established art from the past. This definition is about recognizing patterns and echoes of art history in contemporary creations.
Andy Warhol, Brillo Box, ready-made, 1964, 43cm x 43cm x 36cm (Musée des Beaux-Arts du Canada, Ottawa)
How the art world makes normal objects into art
Philosopher and art critic A.Danto in his essay “The Artworld”uses the example of “Brillo Box” to show how everyday objects – here the brillo boxes – are transformed into art within the art world context. The context here consists of a random object presented in art galleries and created by an established artist, which are the defining criteria that raised it to the status of art.
Edouard Manet, Olympia, oil on canvas, 1863, 130cm x 191cm (Musée d’Orsay, Paris)
How an artwork relates to the past
“Olympia” is a good example on how an artwork builds upon the past while introducing novelty. It depicts a reclining female nude, which is a subject often found in classical art. Manet drew inspiration from the artistic tradition of idealized female nudes figures but with a deviated interpretation presenting a realistic body with bold brushstrokes and a direct gaze. Despite the great controversy it sparked, this linked traditional art to a new movement; Impressionism.
- Sociologic Definitions: Sociologists view art as a product of society, analyzing it in relation to the social system to explain why it exist and what its consequences are. Instead of looking at art in isolation, they investigate the societal forces that shape it. This perspective includes:
- Art as a construct of society, acknowledging art’s dynamic and evolving nature as it changes across time, locations, and cultures in response to shifting societal dynamics (e.g. values, trends, technology, political context).
- The marxist view on art, an extreme perspective within the sociological framework. Marxists art critics suggest that art is a direct product of class struggle (working class vs bourgeois), material production (capitalism) and wealth distribution (banking). According to this view, art only exist if there is social tensions, and real art is the one that engages in social revolution.
Ultimately, looking into art definitions is a bit like gazing at a landscape through different windows – each viewpoint provides a richer understanding.
Note: This is a simplified summary of key art theories, and many nuances and ideas have been omitted. If you wish for a more complete article, please let me know in the comments.
Final thoughts
Attempting to define art often feels like capturing a slippery fish with bare hands – just when you think you’ve grasped it, it slips away, leaving you with no choice but to chase it at the other side of the pond. This exercise tends to raise more questions than answers, forcing you to take unexpected turns and give up on assumptions. It’s a puzzle in which your theory can (and will) crumble at any time.
Nevertheless, it is a captivating journey. By pursuing the essence of art, you occasionally stumble upon innovative ideas that refresh your perspective. Soon enough, you find yourself exploring other fields of knowledge and pondering about human nature. And sometimes, you engage in spirited conversations with other art seekers.
But in the end, do we really need to define art? Unless you’re a professional dealing with intellectual property you probably don’t need a clear definition. Just look for the point of view that resonates with you, and always let your perspective open to change; I’ve seen way too many people dismiss artworks on the sole reason they don’t fit in their confined view of art.
Resources to go further
September 23rd, 2023