This week, "The Grid" sent out their questions crew (for lack of knowing what these people are called) to ask people by the Art Gallery of Ontario "What is art?" As most of the answers got me either confused, offended, or just angry, I got to trying to put together what my answer would be to that question. As I continued thinking, I realized that I would not have been able to answer the question 3 years ago. I'm 24. After almost 16 years of study I would not have been able to give an answer. This led me to believe that people need exposure, experience, and openness to ALL media, as well as need to have the patience to grow into knowledge and understanding to see art for what it is. In any case, I think I'm reasonably happy with this answer at this point in my life (or at least today):
Art is a self-aware, non-utilitarian expression of ideas, emotions, or opinions.
(self-aware to eliminate children's dabbling and non-utilitarian to differentiate from craft)
Thoughts?
hmm ... I might quibble with non-utilitarian. If you mean "won't be very good to eat dinner off" then maybe. But even then. Maybe these days I just want something to be a good plate and good art. Also, maybe it can change lives, which has great utility in these times. (to be a little flaky)
ReplyDeleteI have a great respect for artisans and craft (love and own lots of pottery, handmade clothes and jewelry) but for some reason I feel like it is a whole different beast from art. Maybe I'm differentiating Art with a capital A from art in my head (art would include craft?) but I feel as though the (emotional and intellectual) utility of Art is very different from the utility (and beauty) of craft. Neither bad, just different
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