In its simplest form, art is something that appeals to the eye. It can be a painting, sculpture or even architecture. But what makes it “art” is something that’s been debated throughout history. Some argue that art is anything that stirs emotions in a person – it can be something beautiful, shocking or disgusting. Others take a more philosophical approach to the idea of art, arguing that art is an experience and that it can change how a person perceives the world around them.
In the past, art was often associated with craft and skill. It was a talent that you could excel in through practice, like any other trade. But with the rise of Romanticism and the idea that originality is key, art took on a new meaning – it was an expression of one’s personality.
This shift in perspective was a big part of the rise of Modernism, as artists sought to push the boundaries of what they could create and how it was perceived. The result is a wide variety of artistic styles, many of which have no connection to the styles that came before them. It’s this diversity that has made the concept of art so difficult to define.
Another factor in the difficulty of defining art is that people have very different reactions to it. A piece of artwork can make one person think it’s the greatest thing they’ve ever seen, while someone else might hate it and find no emotion at all. The reason for this is that the act of experiencing art is a very personal one. It’s based on the individual’s experiences, beliefs, upbringing and biases.
Art is also important because of its power to inspire. It can reshape a person’s current ideas about the world and give them the courage to pursue their own creativity. This is why it’s such a powerful tool that can inspire political movements and spark social change. It’s also why so many people have been criticized, threatened, censored and even killed for their work.
Britannica Premium has a large number of articles that deal with the creation, history and criticism of art. See the links below to find out more.