Here is our group’s take on art and its purpose:
Art is a unique expression of an idea, a feeling, or an aspiration which can either be made by man or by nature, as long as it conveys a message or provokes a response which has a subjective effect on the audience.
Our group believes that the ultimate purpose of art is expression above all else. It is a means for us to relay our own truth. Through art, our own ideas and emotions mix with reality. Our version of reality is also communicated to the audience through art.
During class discussion, our definition “made by man or by nature” was put into question. This is because to assume that nature is considered art is to assume the existence of God. Also, our standpoint of defining art as anything so long as it communicates or makes people feel something, was debunked since if this is the case, then nothing is not an art. This would then mean that defining art in the first place would be deemed unnecessary.
Our takeaway after all the presentations was that art is not only for expression but to preserve culture or history, and it is also controlled by the economic factors of a country. In addition, because we believe that art has other functions aside from mere expression, then we now realize the importance of the purpose behind every piece of art and how the driving force to create it is just as important as the art itself.
What Len Thinks 