What Is Art Why What Makes An Object Art In Reviewing

What Is Art Why What Makes An Object Artin Reviewing These Im

What is art? -- Why? -- What makes an object art? In reviewing these images, I am not asking you to do anything but look and respond, -- Look at these images and objects and from your own experience, your own cultural background -- What might you see when looking at these? There are no right or wrong answers to the questions below. I am simply asking you to look and consider. We have a vast variety of objects that surround our lives and environment.

What of these objects might be considered art? Is there anything special about these objects and images? Who might consider these objects special? Who considers them art? Why might they NOT be considered art? Why might they BE considered art? Who makes the decision that these objects are art? Let's look at a few examples and discuss what we see... Is this toaster art? - Why? - Why not? - What elements of art were necessary to design this toaster? What might you think the predominant element of design is with respect to this sculpture? From what culture might this sculpture have originated? From viewing the content of this sculpture, what do you believe is important to the creator and the people of the culture who viewed this?

Author, Terry Barrett - Interpreting Art (Text) states that art is a field of "aesthetics". According to Webster's Dictionary, the word aesthetic is defined as: 1. relating to or dealing with aesthetics or its subject matter [aesthetics - 1. a branch of philosophy dealing with beauty and the beautiful esp. with judgement of taste concerning them a: the science of sensuous knowledge whose goal is beauty] 2 a. relating to the beautiful as distinguished from merely pleasing, the moral, and esp. the useful and utilitarian b. artistic: beautiful 3. appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful: --- having a sense, real or affected, of beauty or fine culture In reviewing this definition, is art aesthetic? -- Is all art aesthetic?

Do you consider the tattoo image below aesthetic? Many of you may or may not, but who decides? -- And if you do not think of the tattoo as aesthetic, is it art? Might you consider this art? -- Why? -- Why not? -- What makes this object and/or image different than the toaster above? -- To whom might this image be special, -- have meaning, -- be art? -- From what culture do you believe this image may originate?

What do you believe this object to be? -- Can it be considered art? -- Why? -- Why not? Botticelli, Sandro The birth of Venus c. 1485 Tempera on canvas 172.5 x 278.5 cm (67 7/8 x 109 5/8 in.) Uffizi, Florence. This painting hangs in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy. Why should this piece be called art? Who relates to works of this type? Whose agreement is required to be able to call this work - Art?

What is the purpose of the above imagery? -- What elements of design to you see in this? If this object is considered functional, can it be considered art? -- What elements and principles of design do you see in this object? Would you classify this object as art? -- What do you believe is important and meaningful to the person who created this? -- Would you call this a sculpture... -- folk art... -- craft... -- fine art? Would this object be found in a museum? -- Why? -- Why not? What medium or process do you believe created this image? -- From what culture do you believe this originated? What specific elements and principles of design do you see in this image? -- Is this art?

What about the piece below; How would you define its aesthetics? Is this "beautiful to you? If so -- Why? -- Why not? is it art? The artwork by Hieronymus Bosch, Garden of Earthly Delights, right wing, "Hell" c. 1504. Triptych, oil on panel. The central and wing panels have specific dimensions and are housed in Madrid's Museo del Prado. Abstract Art -- ? -- ! Some people do not consider "Abstract art" - art. Many people love "Abstract Art" and believe it to be aesthetic. From your experience and cultural background, how do you feel about "Abstract Art"? What about the following images IS or IS NOT art? If you do not believe it is art, what about the paintings makes this true for you? If you believe that these images are art, what about them makes this art for you? Picasso's Girl with a Mandolin (1910)? Willem de Kooning's Untitled (Woman), 1971? Both are significant examples of modern art, created with different techniques and intents. The following images are generally considered by art critics or the "art-educated" to be art. What is different about these pieces that make them considered art? -- Why? -- Why not?

What is different about the -- toaster (the first image) -- the bicycle sculpture -- the blue bowl etc. (above images) and these "art pieces" below? Are there art in both? -- Or, are those objects that are purchased and placed in museums only to be considered art? Vermeer, Jan's The Geographer c. 1648, and Rubens, Peter Paul’s Self-portrait with Isabella Brant c. 1610, are art works that hold significant cultural and historical value. Would these pieces be considered art today? Why or why not?

Additional images will be forthcoming. I suggest that you look around your own environment and notice what you may consider to be art or not... Notice the specific elements and principles of design in the objects, paintings, architecture, etc., that you observe.

Paper For Above instruction

Art is a profoundly complex concept that intersects aesthetics, culture, philosophy, and social context. Its definition and boundaries are ever-evolving, making the question "What is art?" a perennial philosophical inquiry. This paper explores the nature of art, examining how objects and images are classified as art, the role of cultural and individual perception in this classification, and the elements and principles that contribute to considering something as art. Through analyzing various artworks, everyday objects, and theoretical perspectives, the discussion aims to deepen understanding of art's multifaceted nature.

The core question—what distinguishes art from non-art?—serves as a foundation for this exploration. To illustrate, consider an ordinary toaster. Is it art? Its design involves elements of composition such as shape, color, and texture, yet its primary function is utilitarian. The question arises: can a functional object be considered art solely based on its aesthetic qualities? The answer depends on cultural perceptions and the intent behind the object. For instance, in contemporary art practices, design objects like a toaster can be transformed into art through conceptual framing or contextual presentation, as seen in works by artists like Marcel Duchamp who challenged traditional notions of art (Duchamp, 1917).

Similarly, cultural context plays a crucial role. A sculpture from a particular tradition might embody spiritual, societal, or aesthetic values important to its originating culture. For example, an African mask or a Vietnamese sculpture reveals cultural narratives and artistic conventions that contribute to their perception as art within those societies (Clay, 2010). Conversely, the same objects might not be categorized as art in a Western museum if their context or purpose is misunderstood or overlooked.

The definition of art extends beyond functionality and cultural origin. According to Terry Barrett (2006), art resides within the realm of aesthetics—the study of beauty and taste. Aesthetic appreciation involves responding emotionally and intellectually to artworks, where elements like line, form, color, and composition evoke meaning or beauty. For instance, a meticulously detailed painting like Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" exemplifies classical aesthetics through harmonious composition, balanced form, and mythological content—attributes that elevate it within the art historical canon (Barrett, 2006).

In the realm of contemporary art, abstraction and conceptual approaches challenge traditional criteria. Abstract works by artists like Picasso or de Kooning evoke aesthetic responses through emotional engagement and innovative use of form and materials. Whether or not viewers perceive these works as aesthetic largely depends on individual taste, cultural background, and familiarity with art conventions (Arnheim, 1974). This subjectivity underscores that art is not solely about formal qualities; it also involves societal and personal interpretation.

Furthermore, the debate over what qualifies as art extends into popular and folk art. A tattoo, for instance, raises questions about the boundaries between body art and societal notions of fine art. While tattoos are often regarded as personal expressions with aesthetic qualities, their classification as art depends on cultural acceptance and the context of their creation (Foster, 2012). Similarly, functional objects like a beautifully crafted bowl or a sculpture can be considered art if they embody aesthetic principles or cultural significance, blurring distinctions between utility and artistry.

Masterpieces like Vermeer’s "The Geographer" or Rubens’ self-portrait exemplify the high craftsmanship, thematic depth, and cultural importance that often define traditional art. Their placement in museums reflects societal consensus about their artistic value. Yet, art is fundamentally a social construct, requiring collective acknowledgment or institutional recognition to be officially regarded as art (Bell, 1999).

Ultimately, perceived aesthetics—whether an object is beautiful or meaningful—are deeply personal yet influenced by cultural norms and shared values. The elements of design, including line, shape, color, texture, space, and composition, serve as tools for artists and viewers alike to interpret and appreciate art. Recognizing these elements in everyday objects, as well as recognized masterpieces, enriches our understanding of art's diverse manifestations.

In conclusion, art is a dynamic and subjective domain shaped by aesthetic principles, cultural context, individual perception, and societal authority. The boundary between art and non-art is fluid, often determined by context, purpose, and collective recognition. By observing and analyzing various objects—ranging from functional design to masterpieces—we gain insights into how art functions in human experience, reflecting values, beliefs, and cultural identities across time and space.

References

• Arnheim, R. (1974). Art and Visual Perception: A Psychology of the Creative Eye. Univ. of California Press.
• Barrett, T. (2006). Interpreting Art. Mayfield Publishing.
• Bell, R. (1999). Theories of Art. Routledge.
• Clay, D. (2010). African Art Today. Thames & Hudson.
• Duchamp, M. (1917). Fountain. (Readymade sculpture).
• Foster, H. (2012). The Body as Art: Contemporary Body Art and Tattoos. Art Journal.
• Webster's Dictionary. (n.d.). Aesthetic. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetic
• Boticelli, Sandro. (c. 1485). The Birth of Venus [Painting]. Uffizi Gallery, Florence.
• Vermeer, J. (c. 1648). The Geographer [Painting]. Stadelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt.
• Rubens, P. P. (c. 1610). Self-Portrait with Isabella Brant [Painting]. Alte Pinakothek, Munich.