When art is created well, it often evokes powerful emotions and connects with people all over the world. It also challenges us to look at the world around us and question our current beliefs. Art has even influenced our culture, politics and morals. People have been rewarded, praised, criticized and even censored for their artistic endeavors throughout history.
A piece of art can be a painting, sculpture or any other object that expresses an idea. Some consider that anything can be considered as art, as long as it has the intention of making an impact on the viewer. Some examples of art include a landscape, a portrait or a still life. The most important aspect of art is the emotion it evokes in the viewers. Some pieces of art can make people laugh, cry or even be angry. This is what makes it so special.
In the past, many art movements have expanded the definition of what art is. For example, cubism, futurism and surrealism are some examples of avant-garde art that challenged traditional methods and created new genres. These modern art styles gave birth to new genres of art like abstract art, conceptual art and performance art.
The art of today is incredibly diverse and there are many different opinions on what constitutes an art masterpiece. In addition, some of the most famous artists have different interpretations of their work. For example, Pablo Picasso viewed creating art as a renewal experience for himself and he saw his paintings as a cleaner version of himself. In contrast, Piet Mondrian viewed his work as being a manifestation of a higher power.
What does this mean for our understanding of art? Some theorists have argued that since it is impossible to fully understand art, we should not attempt to define it. However, others have argued that definitions are helpful because they provide guidelines for how to analyze art and help prevent the creation of unnecessarily complex theories.
One of the best ways to learn about the history of art is by reading about it in an art history book. By reading about the makers and movements, you can explore the art of the past without all the distractions that come with a museum visit such as tired feet, selfie sticks and pushy crowds.