An artwork is a work produced by an artist which has aesthetic value. Artworks can be found in a range of contexts including galleries, museums, private collections and public spaces. The definition of art is highly subjective and varies widely between individuals. However, the majority of people would agree that works such as paintings, sculptures and other visual representations are considered to be artistic. Despite this, a wide variety of ephemeral and non-tangible objects can also be considered art, such as photographs, musical performances, theatrical plays and other ephemeral productions. Additionally, certain physical designs which were originally created for functional purposes – such as jewellery, many ceramics and folk art – have been reclassified as artistic objects.
Artwork can be used as decoration, or can serve ritualistic and symbolic functions. Examples of these include religious artworks, which use images to convey deeper meanings, or as decorations in a ceremony. In addition, some art can be used as a tool for psychological or philosophical exploration. A number of studies have shown that engaging with art can improve focus and productivity. Artworks can also provide a sense of place, or evoke emotions and memories.
One of the biggest challenges with purchasing art is knowing how big or small an artwork should be to suit a space. While there are no set rules, a good rule of thumb is that an artwork should fill around 50-70 per cent of the wall space, and should never be wider than the piece of furniture beneath it (this can cause the room to feel top heavy).
The subject matter of an artwork can often influence how it is interpreted. This is especially true for more abstract works, such as those of surrealism and cubism. In these works, symbolism is frequently used to convey meaning and the subject matter can be difficult to interpret, even for experts. The ambiguity of these works can create an opportunity for creative interpretation, which is often considered to be an important characteristic of art.
Another way that art is interpreted is through allegory. This is a technique where symbols, or characters, in a painting or other work represent real-world ideas and events. It is common in Christian religious art, for example. Allegory is also a key feature of certain types of modernist and conceptual art.
An important consideration when selecting an artwork is its durability. Nothing lasts forever, and while some forms of art are better suited to certain locations than others, they may still not stand up to the wear and tear of life in our homes. For example, a print in the kitchen could eventually get covered in splatters of food or toothpaste, and works in bathrooms can be subject to the steam from showers.
Is the artwork textural or tactile? Does it have a rough surface, glossy or shiny surfaces, textured or patterned surfaces, raised or slumped shapes, and/or sculptural elements? Does the artwork explore balance and proportion (i.e. symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial or deliberately unbalanced)?