Objectives:
- Become familiar with the basic relationship of human values to psychological and philosophical endeavors
- Understand that values are formed from external and internal drives of an individual
- Explore one’s own value system
Original Post:
What is Art for?
From the reading, “What is art for?” by E. Dissanayake, there was one quote, in particular, that I wanted to discuss. This quote can be referred to on page 19, where Dissanayake states “Art is not universal”. I believe that this is absolutely true. Art is not universal because there is not just one specific style or concept. Art has and can be define in many different ways. In the past, art was used as a “service of religion” (16). Art then progressively developed with the “gradual secularization of society, rise of science, social interpersonal changes, emphasis on reason, and great political revolutions” (17). I think what makes art great and ever evolving is the fact that there is no right or wrong way to approach it. Every work-of-art has the ability and potential to be different from every other work before it.
I believe that many people with no talent have become famous and people with incredible talent have become world famous. I also believe many people with incredible talent will never be known. A few days ago, I read an article that said a “canvas painted blue with a white line” sold for $44 million. I find this insane because I could have created the same exact painting, and I do not think that I am artistically talented whatsoever. Or maybe I am? I like to doodle drawings on my notebook. Should I be a famous artist? Who knows? It is subjective.
I do not see this painting to be a masterpiece but others do see it as one. I think that art is subjective because its interpretations are mostly based on the perspective of the viewer. It behooves us as viewers of art to interpret it with a critical eye, yet that can very often, lead individuals to different conclusions and reactions to a work of art.
Reflection:
Art is not universal, meaning people can interpret the artwork in different ways such as in different languages and angles. We cannot use only one standard to interpret art.
This assignment was challenging for me to complete because I had trouble with putting my thoughts into words because I have a rather limited background in art, it was difficult for me at first to really analyze what the ultimate purpose of art is. Ellen Dissanayake helped me understand the idea of what art truly and how it has unlimited origins. I also developed the thought of art as being subjective, as for I had never thought of this prior to the assignment. By putting a definition to these anecdotes of history, I know have a deeper appreciation for all facets of art. Further, I learned more about the critiques related to art that helps viewers generate a better understanding.
Future:
Beyond this class, I hope to gain see art more clearly and begin to appreciate the various forms of art. By looking into more diverse forms of art, I will only learn more over time. One of my ambitions is to travel the world, and this assignment will pay future dividends as I will feel more comfortable looking at how other cultures express themselves artistically.
Bibliography: