What is art?

Published 31 Mar 2017

Art is a broad term that encompasses study and expression of whatever we witness and create. It lends itself a subjective taste in contrast to science which looks objective rationale as its basis. Art is creation of what otherwise lies dormant within us. Poetry for instance is an art form for it expresses among many things the feelings of the human soul which can’t be put down in precise ‘scientific’ manner and remains open to interpretation owing to its innate nature. Science may be considered a ‘mind’ thing adhering to certain rules and regulations but art involves a certain involvement of ‘heart’ in it for it to be open to human perception and creation.

There should never be any restrictions imposed on the expression of art as long as it doesn’t directly or forcibly harm any section of the society. In this world of liberalization every person has the right to express his opinion in its most original form and leave it open to public opinion. Stifling the expression of art by imposing rules and regulations, for instance, on entertainment industry would markedly bring down the quality of work. There is no recipe for creating a beautiful painting and its appeal can only be validated by how it affects the hearts and souls of people who see it. Therefore it’s very important that there isn’t any impediment blocking the free flow of creative ideas for people practicing any form of art as long as it doesn’t pose a risk to well being of the society. “With the most primitive means the artist creates something which the most ingenious and efficient technology will never be able to create. “ (Malevich, 1915)

But in some ways knowledge of science, especially in today’s era acts as a stepping stone to quality art by facilitating proper expression and performance of a particular art. Good knowledge of latest camera technology would only help the photographer to enhance the quality of his/her work.

Another salient feature of art that sets it apart from other branches is that the artist should be in the moment while doing it. Its only when the artist identifies himself with his piece of work that he can put life into it. True art is one that is buzzing with life something that the latest robotics can’t emulate. It kindles emotions in a way that is inexplicable and for some, illogical! Medicine which is a branch of science is at its roots an art because apart from the technical details it deals with human life directly. Empathizing in the sense of reproduction of the emotions of the artist and its viewers or listeners is a salient feature of art forms like paintings and music. It is important to realize the important role that art plays in our daily mundane lives where it almost goes unnoticed. Our room, our table, even our pen is designed and is a piece of art. Perception of art varies from person to person therefore art takes myriad forms owing to different creators and different perceivers. “To evoke in oneself a feeling one has once experienced, and having evoked it in oneself, then, by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds, or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling that others may experience the same feeling – this is the activity of art.”(Tolstoy, 1896)

“The moment you think you understand a great work of art, its dead for you.” (Wilde, 1880) art always carries with it a sense of haziness and mystery which lends a tinge of fascination to it. Art never dies, it may only remain unnoticed. True art is something that stands the test of time and continues to fascinate generations of humans who admire and appreciate it as it reverberates in their mind and heart and casts on them an immortal impression which remains fresh every time they visit it.

Art is a broad term that encompasses study and expression of whatever we witness and create. It lends itself a subjective taste in contrast to science which looks objective rationale as its basis. Art is creation of what otherwise lies dormant within us. Poetry for instance is an art form for it expresses among many things the feelings of the human soul which can’t be put down in precise ‘scientific’ manner and remains open to interpretation owing to its innate nature. Science may be considered a ‘mind’ thing adhering to certain rules and regulations but art involves a certain involvement of ‘heart’ in it for it to be open to human perception and creation.

There should never be any restrictions imposed on the expression of art as long as it doesn’t directly or forcibly harm any section of the society. In this world of liberalization every person has the right to express his opinion in its most original form and leave it open to public opinion. Stifling the expression of art by imposing rules and regulations, for instance, on entertainment industry would markedly bring down the quality of work. There is no recipe for creating a beautiful painting and its appeal can only be validated by how it affects the hearts and souls of people who see it. Therefore it’s very important that there isn’t any impediment blocking the free flow of creative ideas for people practicing any form of art as long as it doesn’t pose a risk to well being of the society. “With the most primitive means the artist creates something which the most ingenious and efficient technology will never be able to create. “ (Malevich, 1915)

But in some ways knowledge of science, especially in today’s era acts as a stepping stone to quality art by facilitating proper expression and performance of a particular art. Good knowledge of latest camera technology would only help the photographer to enhance the quality of his/her work.

Another salient feature of art that sets it apart from other branches is that the artist should be in the moment while doing it. Its only when the artist identifies himself with his piece of work that he can put life into it. True art is one that is buzzing with life something that the latest robotics can’t emulate. It kindles emotions in a way that is inexplicable and for some, illogical! Medicine which is a branch of science is at its roots an art because apart from the technical details it deals with human life directly. Empathizing in the sense of reproduction of the emotions of the artist and its viewers or listeners is a salient feature of art forms like paintings and music. It is important to realize the important role that art plays in our daily mundane lives where it almost goes unnoticed. Our room, our table, even our pen is designed and is a piece of art. Perception of art varies from person to person therefore art takes myriad forms owing to different creators and different perceivers. “To evoke in oneself a feeling one has once experienced, and having evoked it in oneself, then, by means of movements, lines, colors, sounds, or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling that others may experience the same feeling – this is the activity of art.”(Tolstoy, 1896)

“The moment you think you understand a great work of art, its dead for you.” (Wilde, 1880) art always carries with it a sense of haziness and mystery which lends a tinge of fascination to it. Art never dies, it may only remain unnoticed. True art is something that stands the test of time and continues to fascinate generations of humans who admire and appreciate it as it reverberates in their mind and heart and casts on them an immortal impression which remains fresh every time they visit it.

References

  • Malevich, Kasimir(1915). Famous Quotes. Art quotations, 22, 1.
  • Tolstoy, Leo(1896). What is Art? Chapter 5, 11, 32.
  • Wilde, Oscar(1880). Famous Quotes. Art quotations,23, 2.
  • Malevich, Kasimir(1915). Famous Quotes. Art quotations, 22, 1.
  • Tolstoy, Leo(1896). What is Art? Chapter 5, 11, 32.
  • Wilde, Oscar(1880). Famous Quotes. Art quotations,23, 2.
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