A few years ago I asked one of my coworkers if he could bring me a couple of graphic novels when he traveled, and he was teasing me about comics being for kids. These specific ones were definitely not suited for children, not in story but also not in the artwork.
So, what is art?
Art can be anything, from a child's finger painting, a graphic novel, to the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa.
The beauty of art lies in its ambiguity. It can be a showcase of technical ability, a painting brimming with lifelike characters, colors, or a sculpture that appears to defy gravity. Art can also be a profound emotional trip, such as a song that brings back memories or a dance that evokes passion. Some art is merely conceptual, questioning our basic understanding of what art might be, such as a banana taped to the wall or peeling it off the wall and eating it.
Throughout history, cultures have used art for a wide range of objectives. Cave paintings documented human experience, and ancient Egyptian tombs included colorful artwork to guide the deceased into the afterlife. Today, art serves a variety of functions. It can be entertainment, such as a movie that takes us to another planet or a stand-up show that makes us laugh. Art is also used as social commentary, think of a photographer documenting the struggle of immigrants or Macklemore releasing the song Hind’s Hall.
One of the distinguishing features of art is its ability to inspire a reaction. Art communicates with us on a deeply personal level, whether via astonishment, pain, laughter, or even disgust. A single work of art can have a dramatic impact on different people, each bringing their own unique experiences and viewpoints to the table.
Is art useful?
The distinction between art and common objects can be blurred. Is a well-constructed chair a work of art, or just useful furniture? Can a precisely planned landscape be considered art, or is it simply nature?
In my opinion, it’s all art. Planning a garden, choosing where to plant shrubs, flowers, trees, means laying out your materials the way you find pleasing. The same goes for preparing food or choosing your outfit for the day.
When you create, you are making art. And not all of it will, or should, end up in a gallery or museum. But all of it is valid. It’s an expression of you.
That expression, that creation, helps you interact with those around you, with the world. With the universe. And ultimately, we all want to feel connected.
For me, art is freedom. Using my imagination to create something that didn’t exist before. I am using materials that already exist, techniques I am learning from others who have mastered them, probably an idea that already exists. But I am the one making it, adding the movements of body, my feelings, my soul.
The question of what art is may not have a final answer, but that is part of what makes it so appealing. It's an ever-changing field, with new forms and styles appearing all the time. Art allows us to see the world through new eyes, to question our assumptions, and to connect with something bigger than ourselves. That is part of the artistic experience. It’s part of life.
Nice portrait of author by 5 year old niece(2015)
Art is the drive to be positive and enjoy life no matter the circumstances and be understanding and helpful to others