Trying to define art is something that philosophers and other thinkers have done for centuries. Art is a very personal thing and it is difficult to define because there are so many different aspects to art. It can be anything from a pile of rubble to a banana taped on a wall; it all depends on the individual and their interpretation. Some people believe that the definition of art should be based on conscious decisions (such as whether it is a work of art) and others think that it should be based on physical elements, such as lines, shapes, space, values, textures, and colours. Other thinkers suggest that art should be based on an idea or concept, such as beauty, humour, or the senses.
Historically, artists have often tried to create artworks that are both aesthetic and meaningful to their audience. This has been partly because art can be used for propaganda or commercialism, and therefore has the ability to subtly influence popular conceptions or mood. In addition, a great piece of art can be emotionally or psychologically stimulating and have a positive impact on the viewer.
Another way to view art is to see it as a reflection of the human condition. It is an expression of the human desire to communicate ideas or emotions, as well as a record of the social, cultural and historical conditions of its creation. This is an aspect of art that has been a driving force in the development of various forms of art, such as painting and sculpture.
Art can also be seen as being a part of our basic human instinct for harmony, balance and rhythm. This is a non-motivated element of human nature that goes beyond utility and is part of what it means to be human.
One problem with these types of definitions is that they can become obsolete or change over time. This means that the definition of art must constantly be adjusted in order to keep up with changes in society. For this reason, many philosophers have argued that the best definition of art is an open concept. It is an indefinable concept because it allows for the possibility of new cases being added to the category and requires a decision about whether to extend the definition or not.
Other ways of defining art include looking at the history of the definition of art in its various cultures and periods. For example, in early European culture, art tended to be focused on Biblical or mythological themes and then later moved toward secular subjects like portraits and classical busts of rulers. These movements helped to create a more sophisticated understanding of the relationships between art and everyday life. This led to a shift from purely religious and spiritual themes in the late nineteenth century when art began to focus on more realistic depictions of real people, rather than idealized spiritual or mythical figures. This was a precursor to the rise of Modernist art.