What is art Purposes of art - Essay Example

?What is art? Everyone understands what art is, yet there is hardly anyone, who can clearly define what art really is, because art is very practical,yet divine. It adds depth to our lives; it helps us to communicate emotions, feelings and thoughts. Art can be found everywhere around us, yet it has to come from within. Art is so common that at times it takes an effort to see it, yet it is also so rare and unique that, once you experience it, it lifts up the spirit and improves our lives. There is only one thing that is clear and sure about art – it always has a purpose. All of us are creative – each in his own unique way, and each of us pursue his creativity to a different extend. 3.Does art have to be visual and tangible? Explain There are different kinds of arts; some of the kinds are “visual arts”. Those are painting, sculpture, an architecture, film and photography etc. There are also other kinds of art, such as music, which is not visual by any means, and it cannot be felt in any physical way, it is not tangible. Yet, just like a masterpiece of “visual” artwork has an effect on our senses, the same way music touches our hearts and oftentimes penetrates our senses. And the greatest effect on us has a combination of different kinds of art, like combination of visual art and music gives us theater and films. 4.For the sake of argument let’s say that the art world consists broadly of artists, art critics, museums, galleries, art dealers, art historians, art educators, art students and those who enjoy and appreciate art. Consider art as those things specifically intended to be art. Do you think that you are greatly separated from the art world? Explain. If art would only be something that we can experience in special places, such as museums and galleries; if the one could enter the world of art only with the people who gathered specifically to discuss art, or to admire it, then many people would be greatly separated from the art world. Fortunately, art is such an integral part of our lives that we can experience it every day. 5.Name 3 purposes of art and give an example of each. To communicate information – viewing works of great masters, we can learn historical details about people’s lives, events, etc. It can even simply tell us about emotions artist experiences; and much more. Social and political purposes – art can be a powerful way to convey a message, draw attention to problem and even to offer solutions. Spiritual purposes: architecture, literature, paintings and other arts are used to bare religious, spiritual, devotional messages. 6.What are some of the ideas art can communicate? How do you see these ideas communicated in your everyday life? Art can bring to attention wide spectrum of ideas, such a discrimination, patriotism, care for elderly, or even integrity and honesty, need for education and so much more. Mostly, in everyday life ideas are communicated through visual arts, such as television, photography, as well as music. 7. What structures or works of art are for spiritual sustenance? Are there any such structures in your community? There are various works of art that are used for spiritual sustenance, such as church buildings, sanctuaries, paintings, etc. Most communities have at least one building for worshiping, which is either a work of art in itself, or it is decorated with different artworks. 8. Briefly describe the subject matter in the art of Romare Bearden. There are many subjects Bearden addressed in his art – places he lived and worked in, landscapes, religious matter, jazz music and many more. Yet the subject matter that became his primary for 25 years is life of Afro Americans. 9. What does his art reveal about the time and place in which he (Bearden) lived? Bearden’s art reflects main concerns of the society of that time. It is easy to see that the world is really contrasting place, and at times the emotions artist expresses about it are very mixed and complex. 10.What are three traits of creativity? Creativity is often intuitive, has a strong inner motivation and the need to express itself in a different, possibly challenging way. Creativity goes beyond bounds and is persistent to find solution to a problem. 11. Do you think humans have a need to be creative? Why or why not? Humans have a special need to express themselves and their discoveries. A lot of times it is very difficult to express fascination for the world with mere words. That is simply not enough. And that is when people are using art as a mean of communicating their thoughts, emotions and feelings. 12. Respond to the question at the end of the section regarding what becomes of ‘children’s’ extraordinary capacity? Children creating their artworks do not have any stereotypes to shape their creativity. In their early years, their artwork is rather symbolic; it reflects their mental processes of discovery. They are sure everything is possible; their intuitive knowledge of composition is almost perfect. Later on, when being exposed to standardized drawings they see in coloring books, television, etc, it makes them self-conscience; they are losing this incredible capacity to think and create “out of bounds”, so to speak. 13. How do you see yourself as a creative human being? Elaborate. We are all born with the ability to create, as each one of us carries a divine sparkle of The Creator himself. Yet, each of us has to determine what is to be done with that sparkle. For me creativity starts with making my home a better place to live in, also clothes and the whole outlook is a way to communicate my emotions and attitude. Facing different problems in life I am determined to find solutions and the best solutions at that. 14.Is the work of the untrained or outsider artist valid as works of art? Why or why not? Sometime artists are being isolated from the mainstream society due to specific circumstances, for example people in prisons or terminally ill, people living in very remote and rural areas, etc. Those artists may lack training, nevertheless their artwork still is of great value; some of outside artists in time become quite famous. Examples are James Hampton, RA Miller, Jimmie Lee, Purvis Young and many more. 15. What is the difference between looking and seeing? Explain. The difference between looking and seeing is as great as difference between knowledge and wisdom. Every person, who is not blind, can look at the world and what is in it. But seeing is an art in itself; and we need to master it. Seeing is similar to understanding, it is a meaningful process. Being an artist takes seeing. 16-18. Define representational, abstract and non-objective. Cite examples in the text to go with each definition. Representational is an “art in which it is the artist's intention to present again or represent a particular subject; especially pertaining to realistic portrayal of subject matter.” Abstract is an “art that departs significantly from natural appearances. Forms are modified or changed to varying degrees in order to emphasize certain qualities or content. Recognizable references to original appearances may be very slight.” Non-objective art does not contain recognizable subject, but rather different art elements manipulated together to create an artwork. 19. Form is described as the total effect of what we see. Content refers to the meaning of the piece. How is the form and content similar/different in the artworks titled The Kiss by Rodin and Brancusi? In their art works, both Rodin and Brancusi expressed emotion, passion and desire of the kissing couple. Yet, both of the artists chose different form for creating their masterpieces. Rodin used academic, classic style, while Brancusi carved his sculpture in simplified, cubic form. 20. Content isn’t always what it appears to be as is the case in iconography. Define iconography and elaborate on this as it applies to the painting on page 55 titled The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls from Purgatory Iconography is a method of using and interpreting symbolic meanings of images, signs, colors and shapes, etc. When used, it adds meaning to the painting; more than a viewer can get from a simple looking on. It provides additional information. Some elements of iconography are very obvious, and others are less visible. Oftentimes meanings of symbols are well established over the centuries, and we understand them, almost subconsciously. There are many elements of iconography used in The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls from Purgatory, such as colors of Mary’s mantle, God the Father who holds the orb of the worlds in His hand, then there is a dove symbolizing Holy Spirit, there are cherubim, representing the host of Heaven, wings on figures to show angels and many more details. Works cited National Gallery of Arts, Washington, DC, 2011. Web. 22 March 2011 Romare Bearden Foundation Credits Romare Bearden Foundation, 2009. Web. 22 March 2011 The Art Story Foundation, 2010. Web. 23 March 2011 VisionaryArt.com, 2011.Web. 23March 2011 Read More