What is art? Very few questions were asked through humans history that gave way to so many different answers. The main problem with that question, as H. W. Janson and Anthony F. Janson put it, is two fold: "...art is an object and a word. Both vary widely in different times and places and in different cultures." ^[1]

Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe, Professor of Art History at Sweet Briar College, Virginia, states that "Art has not always been what we think it is today. An object regarded as Art today may not have been perceived as such when it was first made, nor was the person who made it necessarily regarded as an artist. Both the notion of "art" and the idea of the "artist" are relatively modern terms." ^[2]

To me personally, I have to agree with Witcombe on his notion of art. As he eloquently states later on in his website, "Art lacks a satisfactory definition. It is easier to describe it as the way something is done -- "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others" -- rather than what it is."

So over the next little bit, I will be dissecting that last sentence to try and give some understanding around it.

"the use of skill..." is a short term that is easy to understand; having the know-how, the ability, and the knowledge to do something to it's fullest, or to the best of your ability at the bare minimum. Some people are gifted in knowing how to draw a figure realistic; others take some time to acquire that ability. Others can draw landscapes, others know how to take great photographs, and others are good with the written word. There is no clear cut way to distinguish who is 'skilled' and who is not. But being able to do something to best way you as an individual know how, is where I think this statement is best places.

"...and imagination..." Humans dream. We all have brains, and we all think. Thus we are able to bring to the forefront of our minds an idea, concept, or expression that is not physically there to start with, thus meaning you are using your imagination. This basic knowledge is really prevalent within adolescents. As Wikipedia puts it, "Imagination is the ability of forming images and sensations when they are not perceived through sight, hearing, or other senses." _[3]

"...in the creation..." With this, art is at it's basic nature, something that is created, or bringing something into existence. Thus, art is about making something that previously wasn't there. Creation in and of itself can be a tricky word to play with, because what exactly is something which is created? If I took someone else's idea, change it slightly, and make it, is it a new creation or just an altered copy? This is a topic for another day, so we will talk about this at some other point in time.

"...aesthetic..." This word can sometimes be new to people. It's a long word, and not one used often in public. Aesthetic is a greek word which derives from Aesthetics, a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste. Tom Riedel says that "scholars in the field define aesthetics as "critical reflections on art, culture and nature." _[4]

So aesthetic is the understanding of beauty, appearance and appreciation of what one sees, feels , tastes or hears. What dictates what you like or don't like is relative, but the understanding of why someone likes what they do is where this word is used. The understanding of basic art principles; balance, texture, color, focus, light, etc., are all factors which lend into the aesthetic of something.

"...objects, environments, or experiences..." This is quite self explanatory. As it stands, art can be found anywhere, and made from anything. Objects says that art has to be something, but environments can be places, locations, realms, and experiences lead to feeling, emotions and ideas. This one small statement is where art, as it is defined today, comes from. Art is no longer something that is found only in museums, on walls, or behind glass. Art can be the building you live in, the valley you just passed, or the drawing on the ground you just walked on.

"... that can be shared with others" And now we come to the end. This is probably the most importation part of this whole sentence because it leads into what we see as art. With the creation of something, you make an object or idea, and that object or idea has be shareable with others. Because without the ability to share and expand, how does one expand or grow?

So if we take what we read above, our new sentence can read "The use of ones natural or leaned ability and thought-process to it's fullest in the bringing of something into existence which contains a natural beauty and is viewable by others, as an item, location or idea."

But who is it that determines what is art and what isn't? That is something that cannot be answered truthfully. The artist as it stands can claim what they made is art, but if the general public does not accept it, is it still art, or just something to fade away with time? Can we as individuals dictate art, or does the global consciousness decide that for us?

Finally, why bring all this up? I am going to be talking about various parts in art history as it is perceived today. Art history as it stands is always fluctuation, and because of the simple question I asked at the start of this, the understanding of art is changing as well. This isn't going to be just an art history lesson, but also a look into our understanding of what art can be, or is. Much of what I will be talking about will be personal opinions, and thus this should not be seen as an academic piece. I am doing this for my love of history, especially when it comes to art.

If you would like to read more about my walk through the history of art, take a look at my Introduction page. There, you will see a short statement from me on why I am doing this, and various links to where you can start reading or viewing. I hope you will stick around with me as I grow and learn more about our understanding, and maybe you and I both will learn more as we push forward.




Thanks for reading.

=GibbyGibson

• Go back to the Introduction

_{[1] History of Art, Revised Sixth Edition, Janson
[2]What is Art .... ? .... What is an Artist ?, Witcombe
[3] Wikipedia: Imagination
[4] Encyclopedia of Aesthetics}