The Definition Of Art Is An Elusive Beast

Art should be something appealing to one's emotions and senses. The creator of each piece is able to relate with others through their art. It's not just about the visuals, even though that is what many first think of when they hear the word. Sculpting, painting, and sketching are fine mediums, but literature and music cannot be overlooked either.

Generally, art is a form of expression. A declaration to the world about one's lifestyle. However you try to express something about yourself or your thoughts is valuable. It's something that is already considered to have artistic merit.

In the olden days, to some people, art simply meant skill. This included the capacity to master a certain skill. However, as time went by, the word "art" managed to broaden its range and definition.

People have different beliefs now about what art really is. The main concept of art for a lot of them is something they find interesting and appealing at the same time. But this doesn't mean that if an object is ugly to them, it is not art anymore. Maybe some people find it beautiful. Points of view vary and are relative. This is why no form of creative expression deserves censorship.

During the 20th century, people, specifically people who called themselves artists, were struggling to find the definition of art. Philosophy walks hand-in-hand with it. That's why during that time, Richard Wolheim was able to play a part in distinguishing three approaches regarding art.

First is the philosophical view of the Realist, wherein the aesthetic beauty is not dependent on the person's point of view, for it holds an absolute value. Second is the Objectivist, where the absolute value of art is said to be related to a person's experience. Last is the Relativist position, which perceives art's value as relative and dependent on the different experiences that a human encounters in his or her life.

The arrangement of colors and other elements and forms play a role in affecting one's perception of beauty. If someone sees anything for the first time, that person might consider it art. For instance, a person who has never seen a mug or cup may be really fascinated by it and consider it a masterpiece. That person might even experiment in using that cup or might even build a shrine for it and think of it as something really precious.

But we who are more used to it would think him insane, or at best, simple. This only means that art is relative. Some people might find a certain object is ordinary, while others might find that same object appealing. I'm not suggesting that a run of the mill cup should be considered art, as there is no emotional expression behind it. Merely illustrating a point about perceptions.

These things go for paintings as well. People who do not understand the details behind a painting and the process by which that "art" came to be might not be able to appreciate the painting. Also, if he or she didn't find it beautiful enough, the person might not even define that painting as artwork.

So, what deserves to be classified as a masterpiece? Anything that expresses truth. Whatever that is to the artist. A free, real, cathartic expression is always a beautiful thing to someone. And beautiful things equal art.

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