Art is an object or activity characterized by creative expression. This expression is manifested in the creation of works such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, music, and writing. Art can also be the result of the intentional arranging of objects and images to produce a particular effect. The purpose of art is to convey emotion and ideas in ways that words cannot. The concept of art is a complex one that has been debated throughout history. Despite this, there are some consistent features that are recognized by art historians and theorists. These characteristics include the notion that artworks are culturally significant, that they are made by human beings, and that they must have aesthetic value.
Whether it is the ability to create a sense of balance and harmony, the ability to communicate an idea or feeling, or the capacity to express imagination, art can be appreciated by individuals in a variety of ways. This appreciation can be emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. It can also be related to a basic human instinct for beauty and the experience of the mysterious.
The nature of art is an area of scholarly inquiry that has been largely shaped by the philosophy of language. Specifically, this inquiry has been influenced by the philosophy of Wittgenstein, who believed that the meanings of things are not fixed but rather emerge through the activity of thinking. As a result, it is not possible to have a definitive or authoritative definition of art.
There are, however, several constraints on the definitions that can be derived from philosophical analysis of the nature of art. The most important limitations are those relating to the concepts of truth, extensional adequacy, and enumerative or list-like definitions.
It is also important to recognize that the act of defining art can be seen as a disciplinary process. The practice of identifying artistic styles, for example, can provide a window into a historical process of changing attitudes toward certain topics, events, and even individual artists and their works. For this reason, it is important to consider a wide range of sources from a given period.
For example, when analyzing artworks, it is helpful to use close looking and descriptive skills, but this can be further enriched by considering other primary sources from the same time period: photographs, advertisements, newspaper articles, short fiction, speeches, music, and other works of art. Doing this allows students to begin to appreciate the complexity of a historical issue and how differing perspectives can change our understanding of it. It can also help students understand the context in which art is created and valued.