Define what art is Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Define what art is - Essay Example It is a weapon, a massive protest and a huge platform for revelation and revolution. Exploring the meaning of art as it appeals to a connoisseur is difficult but not always beyond comprehension. The essay attempts to identify, examine and explore few such intricate subtleties associated with the mighty term called â€Å"art†. In determining various approaches regarding the definition of art, first it is essential to judge the general view about the term. Generally, the term ‘art’ stands for a process or it can be denoted as a product which is intentionally arranged in an order with specific elements that will appeal and affect human senses or emotions. Art encompasses a diversified and a wide range of human activities pertaining to myriad creations and mode of expression. The canon of art includes many activities included in various spheres of artistry such as music, literature, film, sculpture and paintings among others. The definition of art has become considerably critical during the 20th century. Traditionally, art had been considered as a medium to make money or a device for amusement. Another traditional aspect of art is that the term exclusively refers to any â€Å"skill or mastery†. The concept of art transformed during the romantic period. During this period the perspective towards art completely changed and the term was viewed as â€Å"a special faculty of the human mind to be classified with religion and science† (The Gombrich Archive, â€Å"Press statement on The Story of Art†) The critical evaluation of art came into being during the Twentieth century. Scholar and artist, Richard Wollheim, envisaged three different approaches regarding the concept of art. Wollheim envisioned that art can be posited in three different paradigms namely ‘Realist Position’, ‘Objectivist Position’ and ‘Relativist Position’. These perspectives and distinguishing connotation undoubtedly helps in better understanding of the term.