Art has always been important to men. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and other ancient civilizations regarded art as sacred, and so did early Christians, Mohammedans, and even some of our own peasants, who still practice religious faith. The modern West, on the other hand, has developed art schools that separate painting and sculpture from more practical media. There are still plenty of differences between the two, however. Here are a few things you need to know about the history of art.
Art begins when the creator of the work of art expresses a feeling that evokes a reaction in the viewer. The boy’s description of the wolf, his environment, and the distance between him and the wolf are evocative of the fear he felt. The man’s expression of emotion in this scene is infectious, and infects the listener with his feelings. The art itself is very powerful and can make or break the relationship between the artist and the receiver.
While there is no single accepted definition of art, most scholars agree that it is related to basic human instincts. In addition to external appreciation of harmony, rhythm, and balance, art also evokes the mysterious. It gives us an opportunity to express our imagination and experience our relationship to the universe. In addition to being beautiful and expressive, art is not bound by the formality of language. It provides a range of forms, symbols, and meanings that can be malleable.
Art has a vital role in the evolution of civilization. It not only supports the establishment, but it also prevents subversive messages from being buried beneath its surface. It is often the mirror of morality, and reflects changes in politics. Because art is so intrinsically interwoven into culture, it is important to recognize its place in society. However, it cannot be understood without context. Because art transcends language and time, it can connect disparate groups. In a society characterized by differences, art can foster greater tolerance.
In the postmodernist movement, art redefined itself by emphasizing the “experience” of a work. This shifted the focus from the literal meaning of the work to an “experience” of its creator. Contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Gilbert and George proved the power of art. These artists, along with others, lent intellectual weight to this redefinition of art. They also emphasized the importance of beauty and stimulating experiences.
Tolstoy accepted this hierarchy and distinguished between the “real” art and the “fake” art. This approach to art tended to be popular in nineteenth-century Europe as a reaction against the stifling moralism of the academy. Many authors and writers embraced this approach, including Oscar Wilde, who advocated art for its own sake. There are many other examples of this philosophy, but these are the most famous.
The purpose of art varies from one discipline to another. Applied arts, for example, use aesthetic principles to create utilitarian objects. The former involves creating aesthetic designs on everyday objects. Applied art includes architecture, computer art, industrial design, fashion design, and photography. Decorative arts like art deco and the Bauhaus Design School, are examples of applied art. Applied arts also include folk art. The Bauhaus Design School, for instance, is known for the use of aesthetic principles in all these disciplines.