An artwork is a creative work, such as a painting or sculpture. It evokes emotions in a viewer through its perceived beauty, which is usually subjective. Artworks are considered part of the cultural heritage of mankind. They are studied in the academic fields of art history and aesthetics.
In the past, it was believed that an artwork must be a unique piece created by an artist (whether a painter, sculptor or photographer) and reflecting their artistic abilities. However, several artistic movements, such as the readymades and conceptual art, have dispelled this belief. Additionally, there is now a growing number of ephemeral artworks such as performances and installations.
Artworks are created for aesthetic purposes, as opposed to the functional purpose of a craft, industrial or technical object. They also have the ability to communicate ideas and arouse emotion, thereby making them unique objects in the world. These qualities differentiate art from other objects in society, such as buildings and cars, which are designed to be functional.
There are many different types of artworks, each with its own style and technique. For example, a painting may be landscape-oriented or abstract. A sculpture may be figurative or geometrical. Other examples include a photograph or film, and a musical performance. All of these works have a certain degree of formality. In addition, they are created to stimulate a particular reaction in the viewer, such as tranquility or fear.
Some theorists have argued that art has no universal definition because it is a matter of taste and subjective perception. Others have claimed that there is a set of properties that all artworks must share, such as being creative, symbolizing an idea or event, and arousing emotion. This argument is sometimes referred to as a cluster theory. A more recent approach, the family resemblance view, claims that something is an artwork if it resembles certain paradigm artworks that possess most although not all of these features.
In order to analyze an artwork, a reader must look at the object as a whole and consider its composition, subject matter, materials and techniques. They should also examine the context of the work, including the time and place of creation, as well as the history of its reception and interpretation. Finally, they should compare the work to other artworks.
The purpose of a work of art is to communicate a message or story, and to express emotion. This purpose is a central aspect of the work’s value. It can be political or spiritual; it can explore the nature of perception; it can be a form of entertainment, or simply a means of expression. A more subtle but no less important function of art is the way it provides insight into the world around us. For example, Michelangelo’s gruesome depictions of Hell were intended to frighten superstitious churchgoers and inspire moral and religious reflection. These functions, as well as the function of the artist and the social and historical context in which the artwork was created, are discussed in a branch of philosophy known as aesthetics.