Artworks are a broad category of creative works that span the full spectrum of the visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs. Some examples of artworks include the works of Picasso and Frida Kahlo, but many lesser-known pieces have also found their way into our cultural heritage. Artworks may be designed to communicate ideas, as in politically or spiritually motivated works; for aesthetic enjoyment; or they can explore the nature of perception and create powerful emotions.
Whether it is the long marble friezes and colossal broken statues of reclining gods that Lord Elgin removed from the Athenian Acropolis or Constantin Brancusi’s stunning sculpture Maiastra, artworks have shaped culture throughout history. The best of these pieces have transcended the era in which they were created and become timeless icons.
These iconic works of art, along with their creators, have helped to shape our worldview and how we view ourselves. Creating a work of art requires an understanding of the human condition and a desire to express our own vision through it. In this sense, art is a universal language that can bridge cultures and connect us to our common humanity.
What Is an Artwork?
The definition of art is a controversial and constantly evolving field. Some philosophers have tried to establish a formal definition of art, while others have argued that the concept is too complex to be fully articulated. There are also a number of different theories about the properties that make something an artwork, with some suggesting that only certain types of objects qualify as art. Other theories, such as neo-institutionalism, argue that if something is conferred art status by experts, it has the necessary qualities to be considered an artwork.
While there are no definitive answers as to what defines a piece of art, the most common definition is that it must be a visual representation or display that appeals to the senses and invokes an emotional response. Other criteria have been suggested, including that the object be original and that it be designed with skill. However, it is possible for a piece of art to be both beautiful and unappealing, and even for it to have no discernible purpose at all. However, a common argument is that the role of art in any society is to provide an outlet for creativity and emotion, and to stimulate thought and reflection. As such, it is the ultimate expression of human culture. It is no surprise that so many people feel an affinity to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or the Scream of the Eagle. Aside from the obvious pleasure that they offer, studies have shown that making or viewing art activates a number of brain networks, including relaxed reflective states and enhanced alpha wave activity in the frontal and central regions of the brain. This is why the art-making experience is compared to meditation. It is no wonder that these artworks are often viewed as a window into our deepest fears and desires.