1. What is your definition of “art?”
Art is a medium through which emotions and expressions of an artist can be conveyed, in a manner which the artist cannot communicate through words or speech. It is not only a conveyance of feelings and thoughts, but also the most talented application of human imagination and skill such that it can relate to current events and day to day mundane events of the day or political accomplishments. Art includes a wide range of forms including paintings, sculptures, photographs or carvings.
a. What is most important when looking at an art work: the artwork’s meaning or the aesthetic appeal?
In the olden days, artists conveyed their emotional feelings and political statements through their art. It is a trend that has been carried through generations till today. While the aesthetic appeal of an artwork is very important, the most significant element of any piece of art is the interpretation of the author’s intentions behind the work – that means what the author is trying to say through his artwork.
b. Is innovation essential to your definition? Why or why not?
Innovation is an essential factor in every artwork. Every artist’s wish is for the world to interpret his work differently, as if it is a unique piece of precious work. For this to happen, the work itself must be significant enough to attract a viewer’s attention. This can only be achieved through innovation and new ideas by the artist.
c. Is personal expression vital to your definition? Why or why not?
As mentioned in the previous sections, the intention behind every artist’s painting is his expression and thoughts being spread to the public. Art is a very respected and revered form that must be rendered with all the faith that is required of it. This also includes the personal expression of the author, which must be reflected in his works.
2. What do you think are the THREE most important function of art and why?
Reflecting customs based on food, shelter, and human reproduction – This helps in giving information and has a personal function wherein the artist might want express his culture and customs and spread it others as a means of self expression or personal gratification
Entertainment - An art that is painted for the purpose of perform some services has physical functions. Example, a painting on the wall performs the physical function of decorating the wall. A painting of a Japanese bowl in a tea party does the function of entertainment. It depends on the viewer.
As a means of political protest or social injustice- Art that carried a political statement or expresses one’s thoughts and views have a social function. Example: Guernica by Pablo Picasso was created to express Picasso’s protest over the Guernica bombings, which created sensations. It made the public view it how Picasso wanted everyone to view it – a tragedy that occurred with innocent victims.
3. What materials should not be used for making art?
Even art can be hazardous. Lead paints contain toxic or carcinogenic substances that can affect the health of the people using it. Lead paints must not be used to make art. Other hazardous materials include impure clay (which contains clay dust), crude feldspars, flourspars, Cornish stone, gypsum, lepidolite, cryrolite – they contain toxic fumes, and other materials that contain Silica.
4. a. Fine Art
b. Popular culture
c. Kitsch
References
Easy Art. n.d. Internet. <http://www.easyart.com>.
