Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that deals with beauty, taste and feeling. It is an important subject to study as it helps us understand the human experience and how it has evolved through time. Art is a form of expression for both the creator and viewer. It can trigger emotions that are both positive and negative depending on the individual’s personal history and story. For example, one person might look at the painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper and think it’s the most beautiful piece of art they have ever seen while another person could view it and not feel much at all. These differences are due to all of the different elements that come together to make a person who they are.
Trying to define what is considered art is a very difficult task. There isn’t a clear answer and it has been debated throughout history in many different ways. Some people argue that art is anything that stirs emotion in the viewer. Others believe that art is a form of communication or an exploration of formal elements. Some have even argued that art is a type of mimesis or a way to represent a reality. More recently, thinkers influenced by Martin Heidegger have interpreted art as the way a culture develops for itself a medium through which it can discover the element of truth and the meaning of being.
The idea of what is considered art changes with every new work that is created. This is because the concepts that underlie art are continually evolving and expanding. As a result, it is impossible to come up with a definition that can capture everything that art is or can be.
This makes it very hard to teach a course on Art History, but it is still an essential subject to learn. It is also a fascinating area of study to explore because it allows us to look at works from different times and places around the world. It enables us to compare and contrast cultures, styles of art, and the forces that have shaped them.
While it’s difficult to define what is considered art, there are some things that all art must have. It must be able to evoke a specific response in the viewer. This response can be positive or negative, and it’s usually a combination of both. It must be able to elicit feelings of awe, sadness or joy. It must also be aesthetically pleasing.
Another important attribute of art is its ability to convey a specific message. This message may be social, political or philosophical. For instance, a painting may be used to raise awareness of human rights issues in the world. The Freedom Wall by Rashid Johnson is an excellent example of this.
One final thing that art must have is its ability to stand above or outside everyday things like food, paintwork and music. This means that it must be exceptional in some way.