Art embodies humanity’s desire to shape life’s chaos and give form to the unknown. It is a reflection of our fundamental instinct for balance, harmony and beauty, an aspect of being human beyond utility. Art is the most intense mode of individualism that exists in the world. Every work of art is an attempt to communicate some aspect of the artist’s personal vision of the way things are or the way they ought to be.
The first real paintings and drawings were made by Cro-Magnon man 30 000 years ago on cave walls, and the earliest clay sculptures were similarly inspired by the natural world. Later, the arts were influenced by religion and mythology. In modern times, the concept of what constitutes art has expanded dramatically, allowing artists to explore such diverse forms as photography, video, sculpture, architecture and performance.
As the concept of art has evolved, the definition has been debated. Until recently, the majority of scholars have believed that a satisfactory definition of art requires an element of originality. However, some critics argue that it is impossible to define art because the concept changes constantly as a result of advances in technology and innovation in technique. Furthermore, a comprehensive definition would restrict artistic creativity, as reflected in the many diverse works produced by contemporary artists.
There is a consensus that there are some basic characteristics of a work of art: it must be aesthetically pleasing, it must convey a message and it must be created by an individual. Many other qualities of a work of art are debated, including its purpose, medium, symbolism and subject matter. These features, combined with the personal and cultural context in which it is created, determine its significance.
A common view is that the history of art is a series of socially negotiated meanings that are constructed as a response to particular crises in society, such as war or the death of a great artist. These responses are also a reflection of the anxieties of a given culture or period in its development.
Art aims to express a sense of wonder and awe about the nature of the universe and our place in it. It can also provide a means of escape from the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life by returning us to a childlike, playful state.
Often, artworks are baffling to people used to conventional notions of beauty and skill, and they are sometimes considered taboo or unsettling. Historically, artists have been seen as mavericks and outcasts; from Salvador Dali’s cultivated eccentricity to Jackson Pollock’s macho streaks of paint, their works are often challenging to the status quo.
Featuring texts compiled by curators, historians and scholars and full-page pictures of the most prolific artists spanning periods, schools and styles, Phaidon’s iconic Art Book is both a valuable work of reference as well as a feast for the eyes. This is an ideal introduction to the rich history of art, from the most important painters and sculptors to the most elusive and experimental.