Objectives:
- Consider the origins of art
- Explore a brief history of Western Art
- Examine multiple perspectives for evaluating art
Artifact #2: What is Art/Beauty?
We are taught art at such a young age but we are taught beauty more and more as time goes on. In Denis Dutton’s Ted Talk it discusses what is beauty? Everyone views beauty as many different things, we see it in art, music, people and much more. In this video at first he discusses what the experience of beauty is and it is not as simple as it seems. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, ideas, events, etc. We looks to one of the greatest philosophers Charles Darwin to understand the most powerful theory of beauty. Beauty is an universal understanding, we see it across the world. There are universal pleasures and values that help us understand beauty and art. I believe one of the most important aspects of beauty is how it evolved.
Dutton states, “The experience of beauty is one component in a whole series of Darwinian adaptations.Beauty is an adaptive effect, which we extend and intensify in the creation and enjoyment of works of art and entertainment.” I think Dutton shows us a great example of the evolution of beauty. From the caveman’s earliest of painting to beautiful landscape in the MidWest, beauty and art is essentially everywhere. Beauty adapts over time, as I have grown up I start to see beauty in many different ways. Being in college I have noticed that art is not just a painting but it can also be eye-grabbing play or a rhythmic lyrics.
I think everyone also can see art different, or see the beauty of art in different ways. And because of that I do agree with beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I may not think a painting is beautiful but I always respect the fact that it is a piece of art and appreciate it. Art is everywhere and beauty is everywhere as well it just depends who is interpreting it and who notices the beauty.
Reflection: You never really realize what is beautiful and what is art until you are asked to do so. Art is essentially everywhere to me, I see it how someone sings or beautiful landscapes seen all across the world. Looking back at this artifact I still hold true to the fact that art is in the eye of the beholder. I may think a piece of artwork or a song is beautiful but someone else can absolutely hate it. As I look back at the comments I see that most of us think that art is in the eye of the beholder.
This picture down below stands out to me. It is a town that sits so gracefully on water in what seems to be a foreign area. When the sun goes down the snow filled mountains reflect so beautifully. I can only imagine how breathtaking it would be to see this in person or if you live in the town see it everyday!
Future Intentions: I feel like I need to be more open if someone hates something I think is beautiful. Not everyone has the same views and that is completely understandable. As I grow up and eventually graduate and go into the “real world” I will start to see art in the little things and really appreciate it.
Dissanayake, E. (1991). What is art for? In K. C. Caroll (Ed.). Keynote adresses 1991 (NAEA Convention), (pp.15-26). Reston, VA: National Art Education Association.