Art Appreciation and Definition Notes

Historical Origins and Etymology of Art

  • Etymological Roots: The contemporary term "art" likely originates from the Renaissance Latin words arti or arte.
  • Art as Craftsmanship: During the Renaissance, the term was synonymous with craftsmanship. This definition carried two significant implications:
    • Technical Knowledge: It implied a profound understanding of physical materials, including the specialized knowledge required to create pigments and grounds.
    • Skillful Handling: It referred to the proficient manipulation of materials to create images that were technically advanced and capable of imitating nature.
  • The Guild System: This emphasis on craftsmanship was enforced by the Renaissance guild system.
    • Role of the Apprentice: Apprentices were responsible for the manual labor associated with art production.
    • The Masterpiece: An apprentice could only ascend to the status of a "master" by producing a work that rivaled the master's own skill. This specific work was designated as their "masterpiece."
  • Functional Purpose: Historically, art served primarily as a method for recording or expressing the human experience.

Defining Art in a Contemporary Context

  • Primary Definition: Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. It typically manifests in visual forms, such as painting or sculpture, and produces works intended for appreciation based on their beauty or emotional power.
    • Human Specificity: A notable distinction is that animals do not create art.
  • Categorical Definition: Art also refers to various branches of creative activity, including but not limited to:
    • Painting
    • Music
    • Literature
    • Film
    • Dance
  • Fine Art: These are creative arts, specifically visual arts, whose products are intended to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content.
  • Performing Arts: These are forms of creative activity performed in front of an audience, such as drama, music, and dance.

The Nature of Appreciation

  • General Definitions of Appreciation:
    1. The recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities inherent in someone or something.
    2. A full and comprehensive understanding of a situation.
  • Dependence on Knowledge: The ability to appreciate art (or any subject) is directly proportional to an individual's personal experiences and knowledge. Greater knowledge or experience regarding a subject leads to a deeper, more genuine appreciation of it.
  • Case Study: The Triumph of Death:
    • Artist: Pieter Bruegel.
    • Medium and Date: Oil paint, 1562.
    • Contextual Necessity: To fully appreciate this work, one must understand that it was based on the experience of the Black Plague, which killed millions.
    • Message: The work communicates that regardless of one’s occupation or social standing, death eventually conquers and claims all human beings.

The Visual Power and Immediacy of Art

  • Speed of Communication: Unlike film, music, dance, or literature—which require a passage of time to be understood and appreciated—a work of visual art has an immediate impact.
  • Nonverbal Expression: Art can communicate complex emotions and ideas quickly in a nonverbal manner that often defies literal description. The impact of art is sudden and can be more powerful than the printed word.

Case Study: Vincent Van Gogh’s "Bedroom in Arles"

  • The Written Description: In a letter to his brother Theo dated October 16, 1888, Van Gogh described his intent for the painting:
    • Color Palette: Pale violet walls, red tile floor, fresh butter yellow wood for the bed and chairs, light greenish-citron sheets and pillows, a scarlet blanket, a green window, an orange dressing table, a blue basin, and lilac doors.
    • Goal: He aimed to express "absolute repose" through color and suggest a "purifying air and sleep in general."
    • Stylistic Choice: He used simplified furniture to express "unshakeable tranquility" and applied simple colors (like those in crepes) without any shade or shadow.
  • The Visual Result: Van Gogh produced the oil on canvas work "Bedroom in Arles" in 1889.
  • Observation: The visual image communicates the details of the room far faster than the time required to read his written description.

Exploring the Boundaries: What Qualifies as Art?

Artistic expression takes many forms, some of which challenge traditional boundaries. Every example listed below is considered art:

  • Controversial Materials: Lady Gaga’s meat dress, designed by Frank Fernandez for the 2010 MTV Awards.
  • Ready-mades: Marcel Duchamp, "Fountain" (1917).
  • High Renaissance Sculpture: Michelangelo Buonarroti, "David" (1501–1504), carved in marble.
  • Ephemeral Street Art: Julian Beever, "Swimming Pool" (1995), created with chalk.
  • Digital Icons: Facebook Emojis (2019).
  • Abstract Expressionism: Jackson Pollock, "No. 5" (1948), paint on canvas.
  • Body Art: Fernando Perez, "The day I saw Mustangs over Berlin, I knew the jig was up" (tattoo).
  • Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright, "Falling Waters" (Kaufmann house), 1835, located in southwestern Pennsylvania.
  • Contemporary Realism: Lucien Freud, "Benefits Supervisor Sleeping" (2008), oil on canvas.
  • Animation: Walt Disney, "Beauty and the Beast" (1991).
  • Public Sculpture / Street Art: Various works by unknown artists in Florence, Italy, and Zakamsk, Russia (2015).
  • Suprematism / Minimalism: Kazimer Malevich, "White on White" (1918), oil on canvas.
  • Conceptual Art: "Smokes" by conceptual artist Artfu--ker (2019), featuring subversive branding using logos like Prada, Nike, and Mickey Mouse on cigarette packaging.
  • Culinary Art: "Peacock cupcakes" (2015) made of cake and sugar.
  • Found Art/Installation: Transformation of trash dumpsters in Florence, Italy, by an unknown artist.
  • Religious / Classical Art: Peter Paul Rubens, "Christ on the cross between two thieves" (1619–1620), oil on canvas.
  • Photography / Provocation: Andres Serrano, "Piss Christ" (1987), a Cibrachrome photo.
  • Juvenile / Personal Expression: Vandon Donahue, "God with Angel" (1995), pen on paper.

Concluding Thoughts on Art Interpretation

  • Inclusivity of Art: The answer to the question "Is this really art?" is "yes" for every instance documented above.
  • The Viewer's Responsibility: To appreciate art, one must ask:
    1. How can I learn to appreciate what the artist intended?
    2. Can I be open-minded enough to accept the message they are attempting to convey?