We often consider the meaning and significance of art in terms of religion. However, the meaning and value of art are not always based on religious belief, but rather on the individual’s personal experiences. For example, a boy may be afraid of wolves and invent a story about this encounter to cause fear in others. A man may be afraid of the sufferings of his life, but still desire to pursue enjoyment in his life. He might also express these feelings through his voice or his movements.
Art may be any form of intentional communication of an experience to another person. It can be anything from a painting or a piece of music to a performance or a song. Although art has many definitions, it is essentially a human activity that involves the transmission of emotion to other individuals. Though it may seem similar to well-known works of art, it differs from the work of a professional. It is possible to enjoy art that has no meaning, or to find it offensive.
The purpose of art can be personal or universal. In general, art expresses a person’s basic instinct for harmony, balance, and rhythm. Art is not a product, action, or object; rather, it is an internal appreciation of balance and harmony. It is an aspect of being human that provides an opportunity to experience oneself and the world around us. Unlike other types of expression, however, it is not necessarily about aesthetic value.
While the purpose of art can vary according to the individual, most people create works of art with an audience in mind. This audience can be the artist, other people, or both. People who know the artist or are in a specific context or with a particular purpose may be the intended audience. However, there are many people who abjure such extremes, choosing to focus on the craft and message of their work. There is a vast range of different approaches to art.
Some artists attempt to challenge this hegemony. Andy Warhol famously refused to follow the unwritten rules of the art world and became popular, while artists such as Damien Hirst seek to challenge the establishment. While the latter has a distinctly political function, the former is primarily a personal one. But while art can serve a political purpose, it is best to understand the context in which it is created. That way, people will know what they’re looking at and what they should expect from the work.
Tolstoy’s definition of art fails because it does not allow another person to confirm the feelings evoked by the work. Tolstoy uses the “find” command to search for the word “pleasure” in his work. Other proposed definitions of art are based on subjective experiences. A person’s feelings and preferences must be genuine before a work of art can be considered a work of art. The writer also wants the audience to be satisfied.