By Natalie Boutros
What is your definition of art? Does it have to be something as popular as The Kiss by Gustav Klint or something as simple crayon drawing a teen drew for her mother? Do you think modern art has more meaning or renaissance art? Do you prefer sculptures or wood carvings? What do you think is true art?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word “art” originated in ancient Rome from the Latin word “ars”, alluding to the meaning of craft or skill. Although this is the textbook definition, I believe art is much more than that.
Art can be seen in music, dance, sports, sculptures, pastries, paintings, drawings and landscapes and is not only limited to something you create with paper and pencil. If you find beauty in the Mountains while driving through Northern California or the humming you hear someone else murmur as you walk across the street to pick up mail, it’s art.
Some people may not see these things as art, saying they’re too simplistic and lack vitality. They believe such mundane things don’t have the flair that makes something dazzling or exciting enough to be artistic and only things that are clearly labeled as art should be perceived as art.
But art is any creation made with love, beauty and skill. One piece of art a person deems the “most beautiful in the world” may be deemed the “most purposeless piece of art” by another.
For example, The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most popular paintings in the world, but some feel as though The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese displayed in the same gallery is underappreciated. They feel as though Veronese’s painting is as beautiful as Da Vinci’s but because of Da Vinci’s title, his art received much more attention.
Some may agree with this, some may disagree and say Da Vinci’s art is more popular, and rightfully so due to his talent. Regardless, these pieces are both art but for different audiences.
Everyone has their own definition of what they believe is art, and that’s okay. Art doesn’t have to be a set category, it expands as we do, making it an endless source of creativity and self-expression.
