It also depends on the nature of the art and the era of the interpretation. I have noted several definitions as follows:
1. “The “use” of art from the artist’s standpoint is as a means of expression” (Wikipedia, 2005).2.
“From the artist’s perspective it allows one to symbolize complex ideas and emotions in an arbitrary language subject only to the interpretation of the self and peers” (Wikipedia, 2005).
3. “It can serve to soothe the soul and promote popular morale” (Wikipedia, 2005).
4.
“Process of healing, through creative acts” (Wikipedia, 2005).
5. “It is a way of passing ideas and concepts on to later generations in a (somewhat) universal language” (Wikipedia, 2005).
6.
“Some documentary photographs depicting un-posed “real life” are considered art” (Wikipedia, 2005).
7. “Art can connote a sense of trained ability or mastery of a medium” (Wikipedia, 2005).8.
“It can simply refer to the developed and efficient use of a language so as to convey meaning, with immediacy and or depth” (Wikipedia, 2005).
9. “It can arouse aesthetic or moral feelings, and can be understood as a way of communicating these feelings” (Wikipedia, 2005).10.
“From one perspective, art is a generic term for any product of the creative impulse, out of which sprang all other human pursuits” (Wikipedia, 2005).
11. “Deals with finding principles for how to express certain ideas through various kinds of symbolism” (Wikipedia, 2005).
12.
“It can be defined as a character of the item itself or as a function of an object’s context” (Wikipedia, 2005).13. “The product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped or selected to convey an idea, emotion, or visually interesting form” (Encarta, 2005).When reading these definitions, one can make an interpretation about the different styles of art.
These styles include dance, visual art, music, film, television, radio, architecture, and theater. I have chosen specific examples in each area to further explain the definitions.For dance, I have chosen a phenomenal Irish dance entitled “Lord of the Dance” (Lord of the dance, 1996). Michael Flatley created this masterpiece and it consists of a storyline performed entirely through Irish dancing.
The definition that best describes Flatley’s work is “Art can connote a sense of trained ability or mastery of a medium” (Wikipedia, 2005). The dancers involved in this production as well as Flatley are all masters of the Irish dance and very accomplished performers.Secondly, “The Night Watch” is a brilliant piece of visual art by Rembrandt (Rembrandt, 1642). This stunning piece denotes military personnel waiting to be called in order to fall in line.
The balance of bright yellow colors with black, balances out the feeling for each person in the painting. It stimulates your mind by trying to decipher the soldier’s thoughts. For this reason, the definition “It can serve to soothe the soul and promote popular morale” best describes this visual art piece (Wikipedia, 2005). It makes you feel proud of the military and how they protect us as we sleep.
In regards to music, there is a heartbreaking song titled “I’m already there” by Lonestar (Lonestar, 2001). This song describes the heartache a husband and father feels while he is away on business. He is saddened by the fact that he cannot see his wife and his children and kiss them each night before bed. “Process of healing through creative acts” fits this song perfectly (Wikipedia, 2005).
The man is telling his wife and his children that even though he is not there, he is in everything that they see and do.In the film industry, a very realistic movie directed by Ronald Emmerich, titled “The Day After Tomorrow” gives the viewer chill bumps (Emmerich, 2004). It makes you realize that anything can happen at anytime. Mother Nature takes her wrath to an all new, explosive level with ice storms, tornados, and countless natural disasters simultaneously.
This is something that most of us never think about, but it can surely happen. The earth is freezing, state by state, country by country, until it is all frozen solid. A very scary reality check of what can happen if we do not take care of our planet. This art, I feel, is best defined as “a way of passing ideas and concepts on to later generations in a (somewhat) universal language” (Wikipedia, 2005).
He goes with his gut feelings and has to be creative with his thought processes. These patients lives are depending on his knowledge of medicine because he is their last hope for survival.For radio, “The MJ Morning Show” is a morning talk show that tackles every type of issue imaginable (MJ Morning Show, 2005). MJ uses the power of radio and popularity in order to get his point across to his listeners.
They make phone calls to different places to obtain accurate information for each issue. MJ makes his show very funny by implementing silly contests and pranks, but he incorporates arguments on either side of every issue while entertaining. The art definition I have placed on this radio show is “it can simply refer to the developed and efficient use of a language so as to convey meaning, with immediacy and or depth” (Wikipedia, 2005).The architecture that I chose is “The Tower of London” founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 (Conqueror, 1066).
This is a brilliant work of architecture and gives you an in-depth look at the history involved. It has served as everything from a prison to a palace since its founding. It was made with beautiful workmanship with a moat and drawbridge in order to protect it.The walls are completely brick and blocks and it has two stunning towers on each end.
“It can arouse aesthetic or moral feelings, and can be understood as a way of communicating these feelings”. “The Tower of London” showcases the very defensive and powerful feelings of pride dating back to 1066. It is there for the new generation to understand and appreciate how far London has come.Last, but not least, “Phantom of the Opera” is a magnificent theater production by Andrew Lloyd-Webber (Phantom of the Opera, 1986).
This theater production starts with a crush to falling in love and ends with tragedy. A phantom who is afraid to show the face he has behind his mask falls in love with an opera singer. He comes to know that she is in love with another man and he is hunted down in the theater.The only thing he ever wanted was for her to love him.
This production is a roller coaster of emotions triggering the definition that art “symbolizes complex ideas and emotions in an arbitrary language subject only to the interpretation of the self and peers” (Wikipedia, 2005). Some viewers feel that the phantom deserved his fate while others sympathize or empathize with the pain he felt after a broken heart.All definitions are open to debate. Each person can view a work of art completely different.
The definitions I chose for each piece is my own interpretation and view. It is very interesting the fact that the definitions make complete sense once you are able to connect it with a work of art.
