Understanding Art: Definition, Origins, and Expression

Art and Its Definition

• The meaning of art can be looked at by asking "Is art about skill or talent?", "How important is originality?", "What is the function of the work?", "What does it mean?".
• Art stems from the Latin word "ars", which translates to ability or skills, to do, or manmade.
• It encompasses artistic creativity, communicating beauty primarily through the senses.
• The 13th-century manuscripts hold the first known use of the word.
• Art is also derived from the Italian word "artis", signifying craftsmanship, mastery and inventiveness.
• Art is a medium of expression, expressing ideas, emotions, and feelings nonverbally.
• Britannica online defines art as the utilization of skill and imagination to create shareable aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences.
• Art includes ability, process, and product.
• Ability refers to the human capacity to create things of beauty, skill, mastery, and creativity.
• Process includes different art methods such as drawing, painting, sculpting, architecture, music, and photography.
• Product is the completed work, for example, painting, sculpture, etc.
• There is no agreed-upon definition of art.
• Art does not necessarily have to be beautiful.
• Art can be created for any number of reasons.

Art Appreciation

• Art questions include: Why was this created? What was its purpose?
• Art appreciation or aesthetic education is the ability to understand artworks and find enjoyment in creating art.
• It involves interaction with artworks, artists, and how it affects people.
• Art appreciation includes exploration and analysis of various art forms.
• Art appreciation is relevant for multiple reasons.

Assumptions of Art

• Art is universal.
• Art is not nature.
• Art involves experience.

Imagination, Creativity and Expression

• Art is a product of imagination; imagination is a product of art.
• According to Albert Einstein, imagination exceeds knowledge because knowledge is limited, while imagination encompasses everything knowable and understandable.
• Ayn Rand states a creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not to outdo others, in regards to creativity.
• Robin George Collingwood says What an artist does to an emotion is not to induce it, but express it. Through expression, he is able to explore his own emotions and at the same time create something beautiful out of them.

The Functions of Art

• Examining art's function involves questioning its purpose.
• All art forms have specific roles, fulfilling particular needs.
• Finding art's meaning requires a utilitarian purpose and ability to fulfill its design.
• Personal or Individual Function: Artists express themselves for self-expression or gratification, communicating ideas or a viewer's perspective.
• Social Function: Art is a medium to connect with others, uniting individuals as a community; most artworks are intended for public display or use.
• Economic Function: Art production involves money; reproductions of highly paid artworks can generate millions, highlighting art's significant role in a country's economy.
• Political Function: Visuals portraying political change defined art in the 20th century. It became a medium to promote political agendas and status.
• Historical Function: Art preserves historical figures, events, and commemorates important people in history.
• Cultural Function: Art forms share and transmit cultural representation across generations.
• Religious Function: Art forms play a key role in cultural spirituality.
• Physical Function: Art can be therapeutic; art therapy uses art as the main mode of communication.
• Aesthetic Function: Art enhances beautification, appeal, and excitement.

Philosophical Importance of Art

• Philosophy presents art's significance, including imitation, beauty, originality, aesthetic morality, and imagination.
• Art as Mimesis by Plato: Plato viewed art as problematic since it is imitative and a replica of an idea.
• Plato considered art a dangerous medium, causing confusion and conflict in society by providing inadequate substitutes for real entities attained through reason.
• Art as Representation by Aristotle: Aristotle believed art strives to provide a vision of what could be or the myriad of possibilities in reality.
• Art for Art Sake by Immanuel Kant: Kant regarded the judgment of beauty, art's cornerstone, is universal despite its subjectivity.