What Is Art?

1.     What is art?

I believe art has a different definition depending on the culture and time period.  For me, art has to possess a certain purpose and relevance; whether that is reflected towards me, a community or place in time.  The period of the Byzantine Empire is one of my favorites in art history.  The purpose behind each piece, for the most part, is clear (religious significance).  The esthetic and design seem timeless because it appeals to a wide audience (not just religious).  Art has a variety of forms and range.  For example, buildings from the Italian Renaissance still stand with character and theatrical charm, but that isn’t to say that the Disney Opera House doesn’t.  It is all about communicating with the audience of a particular era.  And, as long as the artist is communicating effectively with care and craftsmanship, he will be successful.  I may sound dramatic, but I believe art and creativity are one of the more unique characteristics of being human.  Without a direction, passion, and significance, artwork can no longer be considered “special.”

2. What is an artist? Is this an exclusive or inclusive title? Are titles necessary?

To tie into the previous question, an artist is someone who takes the time and care to create something that has value and meaning to themselves or an audience.  I think when someone is considered “successful” they then become an exclusive artist.  No matter how down to earth and all-encompassing Andy Warhol or Martin Kippenberger may be as people, their success in the art world has elevated them into a different class of artists.  However, I’d like to believe that the art made by the 5 year olds I work with are very thought out and successful in their own way.  They usually put a lot of effort and time into making something special for their parents and I call them all little artists! (So cute!)  So, I’m a little on the fence about the necessity of artists.

3. Why make art at all?

I think people make art because it is a release.  People make art for all sorts of reasons like; sending political, social, and emotional messages.  Art is another way to communicate to others in ways that music or writing fail to.  It is a part of every culture and holds special significance to countless people. 

4. How do you assess art? (What makes art successful? Is there such a thing as "good" art v/s "bad"? Does the distinction between "high brow" and "low brow" exist? Should it?)

Good art and bad art are subjective.  Yes, there is certain amount of skill that is needed to go into a piece, but whether it is judged as good or bad depends on the feedback of the audience.  There are many “high brow” pieces that I don’t think are particularly skillful or good, but because many people enjoy what it represents, it is considered a good piece in general.  I do think that the distinction between high and low brow should exist because it gives us a point of measurement.  Otherwise, every museum would be filled with random un-thoughtful pieces.