The Nature of Art
What Is Art?
Art as Imitation:
- Plato: Art as a mimesis (imitation) of reality.
- Art is a copy of the physical world, which is itself a copy of the world of forms.
- Critique: Art is twice removed from truth and can mislead by appealing to emotions.
In Plato's "Republic," he argues that a painting of a bed is an imitation of the physical bed, which is itself an imitation of the ideal form of a bed.
Art as Expression:
- Art as a vehicle for emotions, thoughts, or experiences.
- Benedetto Croce: Art is the expression of intuition.
- R. G. Collingwood: Art clarifies and communicates emotions.
Expression theories emphasize the artist's innerworld, contrasting with imitation theories that focus on the external world.
Art as Creation:
- Art as a unique and innovative act.
- Martin Heidegger: Art reveals truth by creating new ways of seeing the world.
- Arthur Danto: Art transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary through interpretation.
Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain," a urinal presented as art, challenges traditional notions of art by emphasizing the artist's creative intent.
Art as Transformation:
- Art as a process of changing materials, ideas, or perceptions.
- John Dewey: Art is an experience that transforms both the creator and the audience.
- When analyzing art, consider how it might fit into multiple categories, such as imitation, expression, or creation.
- This can reveal the complexity of the artwork and the artist's intentions.
Can We Identify Works of Art Outside What a Given Society Calls Art?
Cultural Relativism:
- Art is defined by cultural and social contexts.
- What one society considers art may not be recognized as art by another.
Traditional African masks may be seen as religious artifacts in their original context but are often displayed as art in Western museums.
Universalism:
- Some theorists argue for universal criteria for art, such as aesthetic value or emotional impact.
- This view challenges the idea that art is entirely culturally dependent.
