So, what is art? Art is a form of human expression involving purposeful creation to communicate ideas, emotions, or experiences. The concept of art is broad, encompassing a wide range of creative expressions and cultural practices. Different cultures, historical periods, and philosophical perspectives have contributed to diverse understandings of what constitutes art.

There is no universally accepted art definition, it remains an eternal question. Since art is not an object but rather a subject, it still sparks heated debates among culturalists and philosophers. You can compare art to love, both are similarly hard to determine because of abstraction and subjectivity.

Art Definition Jigsaw Puzzle

Perhaps, putting together several outstanding art definitions could get us closer to answering this persistent question: “What is art?” What do you think? Let’s give it a try.

“The making of objects, images, music, etc. that are beautiful or that express feelings.” – Cambridge Dictionary

“The conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.” – Merriam-Webster Dictionary

“A work of art in the classificatory sense is an artifact (or set of artifacts) which has had conferred upon it the status of candidate for appreciation by some person or persons acting on behalf of a certain social institution (the artworld).” – George Dickie, The New Institutional Theory of Art, 1989.

George Dickie proposed the institutional theory of art, which suggests that a work of art is something presented by an artist to an artworld public. He emphasizes the role of the art institution in conferring the status of “art” upon an object.

“Art is the creation of forms symbolic of human feeling, forms that, by analogy, communicate to us our own emotions and awareness.” – Susanne Langer, Philosophy in a New Key: A Study in the Symbolism of Reason, Rite, and Art, 1942.

Susanne Langer views art as the creation of symbolic forms that express human emotions. These forms, by analogy, communicate to us our own emotions and awareness, making art a medium for the expression and understanding of feelings.

“Art is an activity or process the end product of which is an artwork that functions in certain ways for certain people.” – Monroe Beardsley, Aesthetics: Problems in the Philosophy of Criticism, 1981.

According to Beardsley, the artwork’s function is a crucial aspect. Artworks are created with certain purposes or functions, and these functions are realized when specific individuals experience the artwork. The functions may include aesthetic pleasure, emotional impact, or intellectual engagement.

“Art is embodied meaning.” – Arthur C. Danto, The Transfiguration of the Commonplace: A Philosophy of Art, 1981.

Danto succinctly states that art is “embodied meaning.” His perspective suggests that art goes beyond mere representation and carries inherent meaning within its physical form, inviting viewers to engage with and interpret that meaning.

Here are a few more thoughts about art to reflect upon.

“Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.” – Roland Penrose, Picasso: His Life and Work, 1959.

“Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.” – George Bernard Shaw, Back to Methuselah, 1921.

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle, Poetics, around 330 BCE.

“Beautiful is that which pleases universally without a concept.” – Immanuel Kant, Critique of Judgment, 1790.

Together, these perspectives on art highlight its transformative, comforting, revelatory, and universally resonant qualities. Art is like a mirror–it shows different reflections depending on who is looking at it.

Why Do People Make Art?

James Sturm, a famous American cartoonist, believes that there are no reasons why artists create art. He says, “So whether attempting to make art is noble or selfish, the fact remains that I will do it nevertheless. Anything past this statement is speculation”.

Indeed, determining the reasons to make art is as challenging as defining the art itself. Apart from expressing emotions, conveying ideas, communicating cultural identity, and simply enjoying the process, there could be a thousand other, including the most unexpected, reasons why people create art.

Craving for beauty has always been present in human life, notwithstanding the time or conditions of living. But besides aesthetic motivations, there are many more, whether philosophical or practical, reasons prompting people to create art. We might assume that those reasons are closely related to art functions. Yet, while the functions of art are clear enough, the reasons inspiring people to create art are much vaguer because of the excessive subjectivity of this matter.

In his prominent work “Art as Experience”, John Dewey studied the contemporary separation of art from ordinary life: “Domestic utensils, furnishings of tent and house, rugs, mats, jars, pots, bows, spears, were wrought with such delighted care that today we hunt them out and give them places of honor in our art museums. Yet in their own time and place, such things were enhancements of the processes of everyday life.” Minimalism is undoubtedly thriving these days, and pretty little details keep vanishing from people’s everyday usage. This seems another catalyst for the pursuit of art.

Which Art Functions Are There?

Art seems incompatible with functionality, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, it performs roles that have a huge impact on people’s lives in several contexts. Art functions can be defined as the following:

• Aesthetic
• Educational
• Social
• Physical

Aesthetic Function of Art

Art is commonly associated with beauty which pokes meaning down to a secondary place. Here’s a trick to check the likeliness of this inclination: close your eyes and imagine a piece of art. Is it necessarily something pretty or is the meaning dominating? At any rate, these two variables seem equally important.

Chiara Leonardi, a Doctor of Philosophy emphasized, “The fundamental difference between art and beauty is that art is about who has produced it, whereas beauty depends on who’s looking.” Consequently, there is beauty in every piece of art, but not everyone can see it. Or rather this beauty can be different for each spectator–we perceive art through the prism of our feelings, experiences, and knowledge.

• Sensory Pleasure and Enjoyment

Traditionally, artists strive to craft visually or aurally pleasing experiences. They employ various techniques, styles, and mediums to engage the senses and provide audiences with aesthetic enjoyment. This pursuit of beauty and sensory pleasure is a foundational aspect of the aesthetic function of art.

• Decorative Enhancements

Art frequently serves a decorative role, enhancing various settings like homes, offices, and public spaces. Beyond its intrinsic aesthetic value, art contributes to the visual appeal of environments, fostering a sense of beauty and cultural expression. This decorative function underscores the broader impact of art on the aesthetics of spaces.

• Expressive Outlets for Artists

Artists often use their works as powerful means of self-expression. Through their creations, artists convey emotions, thoughts, and personal narratives, adding depth and nuance to the aesthetic function of their art. The act of self-expression becomes a central aspect of the artist’s engagement with aesthetics, infusing their works with personal meaning and significance.

Educational Function of Art

Leonardo da Vinci said, “Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world.” Indeed, the educational function of art contributes to our intellectual, emotional, and social development. Art fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Here are several aspects that highlight the educational function of art:

• Cognitive Enrichment

Art engages cognitive processes, promoting observation, analysis, and problem-solving. Through visual interpretation and creative thinking, we enrich our cognitive skills and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

• Emotional Expression and Insight

Art provides a medium for emotional expression, giving a way to complex feelings and experiences. This emotional engagement fosters self-awareness, empathy, and insight into the artist’s own emotions and the emotions of others.

• Cultural Understanding and Reflection

Art offers a window into diverse cultures, historical periods, and human experiences. By exploring various artistic expressions, we gain cultural awareness and reflect on the broader context of human creativity, fostering a more inclusive worldview.

Social Function of Art

Art reflects the collective identity of societies and captures cultural narratives through visual expressions. It serves as a universal language fostering dialogue among diverse communities. Beyond individual enjoyment, art in the forms of theater, music festivals, or communal storytelling becomes a communal experience, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of shared joy.

Let’s analyze the social functions of art from various perspectives:

• Communication of Values, Traditions, and Heritage

Art serves as a powerful medium through which communities can convey their values, traditions, and heritage. This can take the form of visual representations, storytelling, and symbolism in artistic creations. Art becomes a means for preserving and transmitting cultural identity from one generation to another.

• Critique, Protest, and Social Change

Art can function as a critique of societal norms, political structures, and cultural practices. Artists often use their work as a form of protest, challenging established ideas and advocating for social change. Artworks can provoke thought, challenge perspectives, and inspire movements for social justice.

• Empowerment of Marginalized Groups

Art allows marginalized or underrepresented groups to voice their experiences and perspectives. Through various art forms, individuals from these groups can share their stories, challenges, and aspirations. This empowers them to reclaim narratives, challenge stereotypes, and contribute to a more inclusive representation in the cultural landscape.

Physical Function of Art

Artistic creation involves a tactile process, where artists manipulate various materials—paint, clay, metal, fabric, etc.—to bring their visions to life. The physical act of creation allows artists to express themselves not only through imagery but also through the very act of shaping and forming materials.

For the audience, engaging with art often involves a multisensory experience. The texture of a painting, the weight of a sculpture, the rhythm in a musical composition—all these elements contribute to the physical engagement with the artwork. The choice of materials and techniques can evoke specific sensations, prompting emotional responses and creating a unique connection between the viewer and the artwork.

How to Understand Art?

Understanding art involves engaging with it on a personal and reflective level. However, art is not always as accessible and responsive as we might want it to be. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to understand an artwork, it means nothing to us. The following principles could be helpful in understanding art.

• Rather than seeking a single, “correct” interpretation, approach art with an open mind, allowing your thoughts, emotions, and experiences to guide your understanding. 
• Take the time to observe details, consider the artist’s intent, and explore the cultural and historical context. As per John Dewey, “In order to understand the esthetic in its ultimate and approved forms, one must begin with it in the raw.”
• Be open to different perspectives and interpretations, recognizing that art is subjective and can evoke diverse reactions. 
• Conversations with others, whether artists, critics, or fellow viewers, can broaden your understanding and offer new insights.

All in all, we should trust our instincts and embrace the idea that there are multiple valid ways to understand and appreciate art.

Why Is Art Important?

The importance of art, whether as a process or a result of this process, cannot be exaggerated. It is a universal and welcoming medium between each of us. The realms of this medium touch and effect, or rather ennoble, different facets of society, including culture, aesthetics, education, communication, and even politics. Let’s get more specific.

• Art serves as a powerful tool for expressing and communicating complex emotions, thoughts, and ideas. 
• Art can transcend language and cultural barriers, allowing individuals to connect on a profound and universal level. 
• Through art, people can explore and understand different perspectives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience. 
• Art can challenge societal norms, provoke critical thinking, and inspire creativity, contributing to cultural and intellectual development.

Art strengthens our connection with nature, with non-materialistic, genuine, and true matters making us better people. What would the world be without art? All grey and dull.

Bottom Line

Trying to answer the unanswerable questions is diverting and rewarding in some way. The question “What is art?” seems the one. While there’s no clear and direct explanation of art, we still reflect on it and discuss it, and these efforts certainly bring us toward the answer.

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