A person who creates art is known as an artist. Art may take many forms, including paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, photography, graphic design and drawing. Some artists create their works for personal enjoyment, while others sell or exhibit their work to the public.
Although there is no single definition of art, the term usually refers to creative works that are intended to express a particular point of view or emotion. It can also serve functional purposes, such as in the case of craft or decorative art. Art can also be a form of social commentary or activism, such as in the case of controversial art.
The art world consists of many different types of media and styles, but there are some common features among them all. These include the use of color, line and shape in order to convey a particular message or feeling. Other common elements are symmetry and rhythm. Symmetrical balance is a compositional technique in which two or more different elements are arranged with equal weight or importance on each side of the central axis. This is often used to add a sense of movement or harmony to an artwork. Alternating or progressive rhythm is another compositional technique that involves repeating an element while gradually changing its characteristics, such as size or color, to create a sense of movement and progression.
Artists usually have a deep appreciation for beauty and heightened senses of perception. They are extremely aware of the way things look, feel, taste, smell and sound. They often have an intuitive sense of how a piece of art will be received by the viewer. This helps them make decisions about the materials and techniques they will use in their works.
Many artists specialize in a particular medium, but some are proficient in several. They may produce art as a hobby or for personal enjoyment, or they might be hired to work as professional artists. Some artists are self-taught, while others are taught by more experienced artists. Some artists also collaborate with other people on their creations, such as musicians working with a composer to create a song.
One of the most important milestones in an artist’s career is receiving a major institutional exhibition at a prestigious museum or gallery. This is an indicator that the artist is being recognized by not only the commercial art world but also the critical art world, consisting of curators and art historians.
In addition to the recognition that a big institutional exhibition can bring, it is also an indication that the artist is producing quality art that stands the test of time. It is for this reason that the work of a well-known artist can be considered an icon or an influential masterpiece in their respective field. This also increases the value of the work in terms of its commercial worth and its influence on future generations of artists.