Saturday, August 28, 2010

What is art?

Art is a form of expression in which interpretations involve emotions, intelligence, and creativity. This picture well demonstrates this aspect because it has a cool, relaxing, contemplative mood.  The viewer uses their thoughts and analyzes the different parts of the photograph to come to this conclusion. The calm waves, the gentle clouds, the delicate light emerging from the horizon painting the sky, and the dangling shoes are evidence of such a mood. Creativity takes place when the viewer tries to understand what the artist is expressing with their own thoughts and opinions to reach their interpretation. Everyone’s opinions could be different and that is where creativity comes in to play. Art is a form of communication in which feelings and statements are left for others to interpret. It engages the audience and allows them to read into the hidden meanings of the artwork with the use of their senses as well. Viewers use their eyes to see the color choices and objects (shoes, water, light, clouds), they might try to hear the waves, and attempt to imagine feeling the warm light from the sun. Furthermore, the makers of the art work have the intention for viewers to take on their perception when they contemplate the purpose of the work. I personally took the picture and wanted others to feel how I felt sitting close to the waters and to visualize being in my position. There are many examples of art including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, music, dance, theatrical performances, etc. As explained, art uses the combination of many characteristics, style, and attitudes to convey a message. As a whole, art can be formed.