Art is a creative expression of human emotions and ideas. It can take a variety of forms from paintings and sculptures to architecture, music and dance. The term is most commonly used to describe visual works that are intended to stimulate imagination and creativity, although it can also be applied to literary and other forms of communication. Art is usually seen as a cultural and moral activity that has the potential to improve society by encouraging thought and discussion. It can also be enjoyed purely as entertainment.
Art has been around for thousands of years, serving many different purposes throughout history. It has often been used as a form of spiritual communication, for example in the case of religious painting or sculptures. It has also served as a way to memorialize important people and events, from Napoleon’s coronation to a family portrait. At the most basic level, art is simply a form of beautification – creating things that are pleasing to the eye.
What are the main themes of the artwork? What is the overall mood (positive; energetic; excited; serious; sedate; uplifting; peaceful; melancholic; tense; turbulent)? How has the artist communicated these emotions through the use of color, light, texture, shape and line?
How is the artwork framed and presented? Is it a single frame or a diptych or triptych? Are the elements of the artwork arranged in a specific way to create particular effects (for example, serial vision and dynamic viewpoints)?
How does the size and scale of the work relate to its environment? Is it imposing or dwarfed by its surroundings? Is it a single, compact composition or is it expansive, covering several surfaces or spanning multiple rooms?
Does the artwork contain recognisable objects, places or scenes? How are these presented (for example, idealized; realistic; distorted; stylized; indistinct; hidden; reduced to simplified/minimalist form; reflected; abstracted)?
Are there any references to the artists own life experiences or beliefs? Are there any references to the artists own culture and era in which he or she is working?
What are the underlying motivations for the work? Is it a social statement; political; economical; sexual; philosophical? Is it an allegory; satirical; propagandistic?
As a result of this vast amount of variation in artistic expression, it is difficult to find a definition of art that will satisfy everyone. Some people will always define art in traditional terms based on order, harmony and representation while others will look for originality and strive to see the world anew. Yet the fact remains that art will continue to exist as long as people are willing to create it and to enjoy it. Regardless of the meanings that individuals attach to art, it is an essential part of the human experience.