2.2 Theories of art and the definition of art

Theories of art shape how we understand and value creative works. Mimetic theories focus on imitation, expressive theories on emotions, and formalist theories on visual elements. Each offers a unique lens for interpreting art's purpose and significance.

Defining art is tricky, as it changes with culture and time. Institutional theories say the art world decides what's art, while historical contexts influence criteria. The art vs. craft debate and avant-garde movements continue to challenge and expand our understanding of art.

Major Theories of Art

Mimetic Theories

Top images from around the web for Mimetic Theories

• 

  File:Greek sculpture IMG 0548.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanzio 01 Plato Aristotle.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Greek sculpture IMG 0548.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanzio 01 Plato Aristotle.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Mimetic Theories

• 

  File:Greek sculpture IMG 0548.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanzio 01 Plato Aristotle.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Greek sculpture IMG 0548.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanzio 01 Plato Aristotle.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Emphasize art as an imitation or representation of reality
• Focus on the artwork's resemblance to the external world
• Proposed by philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle
• Example: Classical Greek sculpture aimed to accurately depict the human form

Expressive Theories

• Prioritize the artist's emotions and inner experiences
• View art as a means of communicating and evoking feelings in the audience
• Advocated by thinkers such as Leo Tolstoy and R.G. Collingwood
• Example: Romantic paintings conveyed the artist's emotional response to nature

Formalist Theories

• Stress the importance of an artwork's formal elements (line, color, composition)
• Prioritize intrinsic properties and visual elements over representational or emotional content
• Developed by critics such as Clive Bell and Roger Fry
• Example: Abstract paintings by Piet Mondrian emphasized geometric forms and primary colors

Comparing and Contrasting Theories

• Mimetic theories focus on art's relationship to the external world
• Expressive theories emphasize the artist's inner world and emotions
• Formalist theories prioritize the artwork's intrinsic properties and visual elements
• These theories offer different perspectives on the nature and purpose of art
• They influence how artworks are created, perceived, and evaluated in various contexts

Defining Art and Its Contexts

Challenges in Defining Art

• The definition of art has evolved throughout history
• Influenced by cultural, social, and technological changes
• Difficult to establish a universal and timeless definition
• Contemporary art practices blur boundaries between art and non-art
• Challenge traditional notions of aesthetics and craftsmanship

Institutional Theories of Art

• Argue that art is defined by the art world (museums, galleries, critics, scholars)
• The art world collectively determines what qualifies as art
• George Dickie and Arthur Danto proposed institutional theories
• Example: Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" challenged conventional definitions of art

Historical Contexts and Art

• Historical contexts shape the definition of art
• Criteria for art change across different periods
• Classical art emphasized mimesis, medieval art focused on religious themes
• Modern art saw the emergence of abstraction
• Example: Impressionism challenged academic conventions in 19th-century France

Art vs Craft: Skill and Technique

Distinction Between Art and Craft

• Art is associated with higher levels of creativity, originality, and conceptual content
• Craft is characterized by technical skills and adherence to traditions and functional purposes
• Example: Handmade pottery is often considered craft, while conceptual ceramics can be art

Challenging the Art-Craft Hierarchy

• Various art movements have sought to bridge the gap between fine art and applied arts
• Arts and Crafts Movement and Bauhaus challenged traditional hierarchies
• Contemporary art practices blur boundaries between art and craft
• Example: Grayson Perry's ceramic vases combine technical skill with social commentary

Significance of Skill and Technique

• The importance of skill and technique has varied across periods and movements
• Some emphasize technical mastery as crucial to artistic merit
• Others prioritize conceptual innovation and individual expression
• Example: Renaissance artists valued technical skill, while Dada artists rejected traditional techniques

Avant-Garde Movements and Art's Boundaries

Challenging Artistic Conventions

• Avant-garde movements (Dadaism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism) challenged traditional conventions
• Rejected mimesis and academic standards in favor of experimentation and innovation
• Explored new forms, materials, and concepts
• Example: Dada artists used readymade objects to question the nature of art

Expanding the Definition of Art

• Avant-garde movements pushed the boundaries of what is considered art
• Dadaism embraced absurdity and irrationality
• Surrealism explored the unconscious mind and dreams
• Abstract Expressionism emphasized spontaneity and intuition
• Example: Jackson Pollock's drip paintings challenged notions of composition and representation

Impact on Contemporary Art

• Avant-garde movements paved the way for conceptual art, performance art, and experimental practices
• Constantly questioned and redefined the nature of art
• Contributed to the ongoing evolution and expansion of the art world
• Challenge viewers to reconsider assumptions and expectations about art
• Example: Marina Abramović's performance art pushes physical and emotional boundaries