The act of expressing feelings is the basis of art. Whether a painting is made in response to a person’s fears, or a print is a celebration of nature, art evokes a feeling. For example, a boy describing his encounter with a wolf describes the environment around him: the lightheartedness of the crowd, the appearance of the wolf, and the distance between the boy and the animal. His words imbue the listener with his emotions, and the listener may feel the same.
Art can evoke a range of emotions in people. The intensity of these feelings depends on the piece, the history, and the story that accompanies it. Different people may have vastly different reactions to the same piece of art. One person may find a painting beautiful, while another may despise it. Still another may not feel anything at all. Ultimately, the nature of the object and the circumstances of the viewer can determine what the individual’s feelings are towards art.
Some artists have argued that the role of art has changed over time, with the role of art having taken on more of a socio-educational function. Others have suggested that the role of art has become more utilitarian, and the broader definition of the arts includes performing arts, literature, film, and interactive media. The term “art” was originally used to refer to any skill or mastery, and it was not differentiated from crafts. Today, the term is often reserved for the fine arts.
Historically, the concept of art has been contested. Some theorists feel that the typical concept of “artistic works” is better suited outside modern Western societies. However, in any case, the concept of an artistic work has evolved over the centuries. This is one of the main reasons why we have been so enamored of it. The definition of art varies from one culture to another, and defining it is important for understanding its meaning.
A common definition of art is the act of creating something. For example, a work of art can be defined as a creation of a certain artist. A particular artist may be a part of a larger group of people. A group of people can create a piece of art, but it must be representative of the entire community. A painting, for example, is a manifestation of the work of an individual. The same holds true for music.
The basic instincts of man are closely related to the idea of art. It is a means of expression of emotions. A painting may express a person’s feelings. A poem may be a metaphor for a person’s experience of a situation. A poem may be a narrator. A song is a story in which a poet or musician tells a story. A sculpture is a representation of a particular emotion.