Creating art is an ancient human activity, dating back tens of thousands of years. It’s also a wildly diverse activity, ranging from cave paintings to modern sculptures. Art historians have identified several major art movements over time, each with its own specific styles and characteristics.
The concept of what constitutes art has changed over the centuries as humans have evolved, and as new technologies have emerged. It’s also a subjective term, with varying opinions about what makes an artwork “art” from one person to the next.
In the past, “art” was seen as a skill that could be learned through practice and hard work. As the Renaissance began, it became more of an elite activity and was associated with a certain “savoir faire” and special symbolism. By the era of Romanticism, however, the desire for originality led artists to reevaluate the status of art, and it was redefined as a way of expressing an individual’s unique personality.
Today, the concept of art continues to evolve, and as new media emerge, there’s a growing sense that art should be defined as an experience in itself rather than as an object. This shift has created some anxiety, as it’s not always clear whether something fits the criteria. For example, a cocktail party may not be considered art even though everyone agrees that it is, as Searle points out, “a chaotic heap without any genuine unity.”
Some people have a natural awareness and wisdom about what makes a piece of artwork special, able to communicate the experience of viewing it in a way that’s almost poetic. Others can give the best constructive criticism on a piece of art, but they often have trouble articulating what they’re trying to say.
A few art historians have developed a framework to describe the experiences that make something art, and a number of different definitions of art have been proposed. One common theory is that art is a kind of experience in itself, an end-in-itself that can be either trivial or significant, but it’s important to recognize that meaning arises from the interaction between the experience and its cultural context.
Throughout history, some of the most popular works of art have been those that allow us to externalize or visualize a range of emotions, from grief and loneliness to happiness and elation. Art can also help us relate to the world around us, by illustrating culturally important events, like wars or natural disasters.
When studying a work of art, students should spend time close-examining its features, especially any details that catch the eye. Once they have an understanding of the work, they can then ask questions about its historical context and about the artist and time period. This will enable them to connect with the piece on a deeper level and gain an appreciation of its beauty and power. Ultimately, this is what art is all about. It’s about a fundamental human instinct for harmony and balance (beauty), and a way to experience our place in the universe that is beyond simple utilitarian functions.