What is art?

What is art? For years, society has struggled to place a definition on this undefinable concept. Some argue that anything can be art. Some believe that true art takes time. In fact, art has long been one of the most controversial topics that we as a society have faced. So, what can be considered art?

Most people, for example, consider famous paintings, such as Leonardo DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, great works of art, but other paintings, such as Kazimir Malevich’s White on White, have faced major backlash, as many people do not consider it art. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects”.

White on White has not necessarily been criticized for being offensive, like other pieces of art, such as the Piss Christ, a photograph of a crucifix submerged in the artist’s urine. Rather, it has been criticized for not being art. Many argue that “real art” should have meaning behind it, and should take time and effort from the artist themselves. White on White is a particular type of painting done in a particular style of art, Suprematism. Suprematism is a style of art based on geometric shapes and limited colors. Other examples of Suprematist works include Red Square and Four Squares, both of which have been controversial in the world of art.

However, Suprematism is not the only art that has faced criticism over the years. Many other types of modern art have been debated over, such as many paintings by abstract artist Joan Miro, which have often

faced backlash. The art community has long been divided over these topics; some believe that art must have meaning behind it and that artists like Malevich and Miró are not “real artists”, though others believe that anything can be considered art with the right perspective.

I personally believe that true art should have meaning behind it—not just what people can glean from it, but what the artists themselves were attempting to convey. Under this definition, Malevich’s White on White can be considered art, though, to me, I simply cannot comprehend how something so bland and simple can fetch millions of dollars. However, I do tend to look at art very subjectively. I admit that I am no art enthusiast and I do not understand modern and minimalist art.

There are others, however, who have a more lax definition of “art”. Zoe C., a junior, stated that she thinks “art is quite vast in its definition and can mean many different things to many different people”. She went on to say that there are many different types of art (such as fine arts, drawing, literature, and more), but that art, “at its core, is a creative outlet for the artist.”

Art is a concept, not an object. Anything can technically be considered art if anyone can glean meaning from it. Art is subjective. Everyone has their own opinions and must agree to disagree. We cannot define art, as everyone’s definition of art varies. Art can be anything, from a blank canvas to Van Gogh’s Starry Night, because everyone has their own ideas of what art should be.