I just finished reading Shakespeare's Hamlet.
THAT is a work of art.
However, I also watched (most of) The Fellowship of the Ring last night at a friend's house. (except for the thirty minutes in the middle where I fell asleep. NOT MY FAULT! He put on the extended edition), and I consider that, too, is a work of art.
They're both classic works of literature, yes, but the makeup, costumes, sets, special effects, cinematography, and score in the Fellowship of the Ring contribute just as much to its "art" status as the script. Similarly, the lighting, staging, and acting (among other components) bring Hamlet to life as a play and, yes, give it artistic value.
So, film and theatre qualify as art. Okay, painting, photography, sculpture, and music are all "art," too, right? But wait...
What are the limits to what can be considered "art?" Is every poem, painting, drawing, or photo a work of art? Is every song a work of art? I'm pretty sure this piece qualifies as art, but I have reservations about calling this one "art." Then there are unconventional forms of expression that some people may or may not artistically value, like interior decorating, dance, cooking, or even makeup.
So, what am I deciding? To the artist, if you have the creativity to express something unique or beautiful or unsettling or just interesting, your art can come in . To the beholder, you can decide what is or is not art. This means that there will always be conflicts, because not everyone sees the same way.
How would you define art? And, with that much said, what are some of your favorite works of art? Please share :)
What a great post! I definitely agree that to the artist, anything can be considered art. I know that there are some chefs who considered each meal they prepare, "art." To me, a beautifully prepared meal or dish can be artful - especially when that is combined with photography.
ReplyDeleteAs far as my favorite art goes, I am a musician through and through. The music in Les Miserables is phenomenal writing, and there's a lot of great wind band stuff out there.
Hey thar, Mel! I'm really you approached this topic. As commercialization makes art more and more formulaic and as art programs are downsized or altogether abandoned in "fiscally-challenged" schools, the subject of art's purpose and definition is becoming increasingly important. First off, I'm happy you recognize that The Fellowship of the Ring is a work of art. Secondly, I define art as anything that an individual creates as an expression of her/himself or of a theme to their satisfaction. This means that almost anything can be art, with which I agree. Art in museums is declared art because it can attract an audience, but that by no means signifies that all art has to be deserving of museums to be declared art. It is not only for aesthetic amusement or for the purpose of pondering that we create art; it is rather to continuously prove and enrich the substance of humanity that keeps us from being both an entirely animalistic and entirely function/practicality-driven, drab, grey lot. Art makes life worth living in ways hat we might only understand by taking it away.
ReplyDeleteIts detractors would do well, I think, to reflect on what their lives would be if all there was to do was crunch numbers, eat, sleep, dispose of things, and rewind and play.