The term “artwork” covers a wide range of visual materials—including paintings, sculptures, installations, non-narrative video and durational performance art. Traditionally, an artwork was a tangible object made by a painter, sculptor, or draughtsman, but several artistic movements have dispelled this notion. Today, an artwork could be a photograph or even a digital image created on the computer. It could also be a work of architecture or a site-specific outdoor sculpture or installation. Regardless of the medium, all artworks must be able to engage the viewer in an aesthetic experience.
A basic definition of an artwork states that it is an object or group of objects that are intended to be experienced as having a markedly aesthetic character, according to Monroe Beardsley (see the entry on Dewey’s aesthetics). However, this definition is not clear enough and may confuse the question of what makes something an artwork, since any item that can be considered an artwork can be enjoyed in this way.
To better understand an artwork, you need to be aware of the context in which it emerged and the history of the arts in general. This is true for any piece of art, but it is especially important when evaluating modern and contemporary works. You will want to know about the social, political, and economic conditions in the region during the time that it was created and about any cultural movements or fads that may have influenced the artwork.
You should also pay close attention to the artist’s techniques and what they can tell you about the artwork. Is the composition structured around a formal system of arrangement or mathematical proportion (Rule of Thirds; Golden Ratio; grid format; geometric; dominant triangle or circle; spiral) or is it less predictable and more chaotic, random, accidental, or fragmented? What are the underlying, deeper themes conveyed in the artwork (allegory; iconographic elements; signs; metaphor; irony)?
Does the artwork evoke an emotional response in you? Does it arouse your curiosity, awe, anger, fear, happiness, sadness, or frustration? How is the mood communicated through color and texture (i.e. warm, cool, neutral, muddy, bright, muted) and other formal devices (i.e. overlapping, clustered or concentrated objects; dispersed, separate objects; repetition of forms; frames within frames; patterned edging; broken borders)?
Is the artwork a still, frozen moment in time or does it capture movement? If so, how is it conveyed (i.e. multiple or sequential images; blurred edges; scene frozen mid-action; kinetic art)? Does the artwork make you feel like parts of it are about to change, topple or fall (i.e. tension; suspense)?
Finally, consider the title. Sometimes, the artists will give their artwork informal names, such as Number 11 or Blue poles. It is often helpful to italicise these informal names so that you can see the artist’s intentions. This is especially true when the informal name can help you identify a key element in the artwork that conveys the theme or idea.