Introduction
Over the past four decades, a lot has changed in the world of art. The main area of transition in this field concerns itself with the manner in which individual’s perceive and experience art in the modern society. This paper focuses on the definition of art, works of famous painters, movements and different cultural perspectives. In the recent years, it has been argued that “art” cannot be defined since the necessary conditions for experiences it are not sufficient. However, the proper definition of art must recognize the historical aspects since they provide a powerful and direct enlightenment of its continuity and development.
Outline:
I. What is art?
-General definition
II. Works of famous artists
a. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)
-Architect, painter and poet
-Among the founders of High renaissance
-Exhibited mannerism in his work
b. Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)
-Painter, sculptor, engineer and architect
-His work captures the centuries before him
c. Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520)
-Painter and architect
-Used clarity a basis for his composition in order to achieve the Neo-Platonism principle
III. Art movements
-Conceptual
-Impressionism
IV. Cultures and their perspectives on art
V. Conclusion
VI. Work Cited
What is art?
As mentioned in the introductory part, art has not always been what it is today. An object for instance regarded as art may not have been viewed the same way the time it was made. The person who made this object might not necessarily have been regarded as an artist. The objects that are regarded as art in the current times were made during a period which individuals did not comprehend the concept. These objects might have been appreciated mainly due to their aesthetic values but not the way they are experienced in the present day. On a personal opinion, “art” has no real definition but can be easily described as the skill and creativity in creating beautiful objects, experiences and surroundings that can be shared with others ( Henri p.9).
Works of famous artists
There are various famous artists that have been recognized across the globe. These artists have come up with creations that have impressed a large audience and most of them existed in the past centuries. Such artists include: Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519), Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) and several others.
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564)
Michelangelo and Italian Renaissance painter, poet, sculpture, architect and engineer lived between the years 1475-1564. This artist is considered as the greatest genius in the modern ages and he was more of a sculptor than a painter (Bolton p.158). As a man he was proud, generous, true and prudent and these qualities contributed to his success in the field of art. He was also a well known poet and his rhymes placed him at the top position. This painter infused poetry in his art work and managed to blend it imaginatively. At only twenty three years, Michelangelo completed a magnificent statue of the Virgin Mary moaning over the death of Jesus.
Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)
Leonardo is another renowned artist who had an intriguing personality in the past times of western art. He is the creator of the famous mater pieces such as Mona Lisa which have captured great interest among different audiences (Cremante p.238). Other than being a great artist, Leonardo again had an enormous scientific mind. He conducted research and made thorough observations in fields such as astronomy and engineering. Nevertheless he is mostly recognized as a painter. It is again significant to note that Leonardo had immense curiosity that could not be quenched. His vision of the world could be said to have been mysterious but logical at the same time.
Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520)
Another famous artist from the renaissance period that produced exemplary work that captured the hearts of many is Raphael Sanzio. Raphael was also from Italy and he specialized in painting and architecture in general. Raphael’s work was again very influential and he designed most of it. He included tranquil and harmonious qualities in his art and people viewed his work with high regard. It is important to understand that most of the famous artists existed in the renaissance period thus it cannot be denied that there is a great connection between historical works and present art.
Art movements
Conceptual
The conceptual art movement commenced in the mid twentieth century with the aim of jogging the minds of people and indeed it did succeed (Books Llc 36). Conceptual art had been known to be exclusive in the sense that it was not for a large group. The proponents of the conceptual movement asserted that this kind of art was inaccessible. They claimed that it concentrated only on the idea other than the object. The movement was meant to disagree with the artists of who produced conceptual work since it could not be understood by the public. It was claimed that the artists involved in conceptual skill had the intentions of destroying the constructs of what art practice entailed.
Impressionism
Impressionism is another movement which began in the history of modern art. The movement started in Paris and was a reaction to a certain style of painting which was termed as formal and inflexible. The painting was performed inside studios and located by traditional institutions. Impressionist artists exercised their skill outside and analyzed the effect of light on objects. The subjects were mainly scenes from the normal daily life and landscape.
Cultures and their perspectives on art
The manner in which different cultures view art has been a subject of interest in the history of mankind. Studies indicate that there is no clear way on how art is perceived and most of the time these views are majorly personal. People perceive art greatly through a lens of their own personal experiences. However it is important to understand that what appears beautiful to one individual may appear ugly to another ( Barrett p.23). It is true to say that most works of art are always about something and combining the form, content and subject matter, meaning can be determined.
During the renaissance period for instant the Catholic had a major role in utilizing artistic forms. These paintings in churches for instance are perceived to symbolize Christ’s victory. In the African traditional society, pottery is highly valued such that it represents the ways of people of certain communities. These cultures believe that if food is cooked in clay pots, it tastes nice as compared to that which is prepared on pans. It is clear that interpreting a work of art requires comprehension regarding its language. Most people are guided by their feelings while interpreting art.
The main aim of artwork is not to come up with a unified interpretation hut rather any perception is allowed. The meanings of these pieces are not just limited to what the artists denote and though the interpretations might not be right, they are still significant and necessary to the development of the work. It is again true to note that the way white people interpret art is not the same way black’s experience. Black people for instance have been known to identify themselves with slavery (Glaude p.777). In the renaissance period, it should be noted that painting was included in daily activities of society members such as shoe making.
Conclusion
A number of individuals have enquired about the value of addressing the definition of art. The argument has been that if art is really hard to define, then people should be left alone to identify it for themselves. If there was no capable way of defining art then it can mean anything. On the other hand art can be defined but obviously not in a few words. A significant definition of art can be obtained through understanding why works have been labeled in a particular manner and what critics say about them. The term “art” is used all the time though it has no value in communication.
In addition, exploring the works of other is essential in boosting people’s understanding about art. Defining art and determining its quality are aspects that go hand in hand and they greatly affect each other. This means that if a piece of art is defined poorly for instance then its quality deteriorates as well. Exploring past artist will enable individuals to understand current works.
Work Cited
Cornel West & Eddie S. Glaude. African American religious thought: an anthology .New York: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003 p.777
Terry Barrett & Terry Michael Barrett. Interpreting art: reflecting, wondering, and responding. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002 p.23
Sarah Knowles Bolton .Famous artists .New York:T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1902 p.158
Robert Henri. The Art Spirit. New York: Basic Books, 2007 p.9
Simona Cremante & Leonardo (da Vinci).Leonardo da Vinci .Giunti Editore, 2005 p.236
Books Llc .Art Movements: History of Painting. New York: General Books LLC, 2010 p.36
