11.1 The nature of the artwork

Art and ontology intersect in the exploration of artworks' essential nature. This topic delves into the core properties that define art, from aesthetic elements to cultural significance. It examines how physical objects and conceptual approaches shape our understanding of artistic expression.

The relationship between artist intention and viewer interpretation is a key focus. This section also explores how cultural context, institutional factors, and historical events influence the definition and perception of art across different societies and time periods.

Essential Properties of Artworks

Aesthetic and Conceptual Elements

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Top images from around the web for Aesthetic and Conceptual Elements

• 

  These are all of Maurizio Cattelan’s Horse sculptures View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PSYCHOSCAPES: It's An Original – OR NOT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Creativity Defines Originality by DazzDesigns on DeviantArt View original

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• 

  These are all of Maurizio Cattelan’s Horse sculptures View original

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• 

  PSYCHOSCAPES: It's An Original – OR NOT View original

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• Aesthetic qualities characterize artworks including form, color, texture, and composition (Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, Pollock's chaotic drip paintings)
• Intentionality reflects deliberate choices and creative decisions made by the artist
• Originality encompasses innovative ideas, techniques, or interpretations distinguishing artworks from reproductions
• Symbolic or representational elements convey meanings beyond literal appearance through metaphor, allegory, or abstraction (Picasso's Guernica)
• Medium and materiality contribute to physical presence and conceptual interpretation (marble in Michelangelo's David)

Cultural and Contextual Significance

• Cultural significance and historical context determine what constitutes art across time periods and societies
• Ability to provoke thought, challenge perspectives, or stimulate dialogue considered essential, particularly in contemporary art
  • Provocative installations (Damien Hirst's shark in formaldehyde)
  • Performance art challenging social norms (Marina Abramović's endurance pieces)
• Definitions of art vary based on cultural and societal norms
  • Western art traditions vs. indigenous art practices
  • Shifts in art movements (Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism)

Object vs Concept in Art

Physical Manifestation of Artistic Ideas

• Physical objects translate intangible ideas into perceivable forms
• Materiality and technique integral to realizing artistic concepts
  • Oil paint's versatility for realistic portraiture (Rembrandt)
  • Marble's ability to convey softness in sculpture (Bernini's Apollo and Daphne)
• Tension between form and content creates layers of meaning
  • Physical properties reinforce or contradict conceptual elements
  • Abstract sculptures representing complex emotions (Henry Moore)

Conceptual Approaches and Viewer Interaction

• Conceptual art movements minimize or eliminate physical objects, prioritizing ideas
  • Sol LeWitt's wall drawings emphasize instructions over permanent installations
  • Yoko Ono's instructional pieces exist primarily as concepts
• Scale, placement, and environment impact interpretation of artistic concepts
  • Site-specific installations (Christo and Jeanne-Claude's wrapped buildings)
  • Richard Serra's large-scale steel sculptures altering spatial perception
• Interactive or participatory artworks blur boundaries between object and concept
  • Audience engagement in completion or alteration of pieces
  • Digital art allowing user manipulation (teamLab's immersive environments)

Evolution of Interpretation

• Preservation and display of physical artworks lead to evolving interpretations over time
• Changing contexts and viewer perspectives influence understanding of original concepts
• Restoration and conservation efforts impact perception of artworks
  • Debates over cleaning Renaissance paintings (Sistine Chapel ceiling)
  • Digital reconstructions of damaged or lost artworks

Artist Intention in Art

Role of Intention in Artwork Creation and Interpretation

• Artist's intention provides framework for understanding artwork's purpose and message
• Intentionality encompasses conscious decisions and subconscious influences
  • Reflects artist's experiences, beliefs, and cultural background
  • Surrealist automatic drawing tapping into unconscious mind (André Masson)
• "Death of the author" concept challenges primacy of artistic intention
  • Argues viewer interpretation can supersede original intent
  • Postmodern approaches to art criticism and analysis

Communication of Artistic Intent

• Intention communicated through various means
  • Titles (Magritte's "The Treachery of Images")
  • Artist statements
  • Interviews
  • Context within artist's broader body of work
• Complex relationship between artistic intention and viewer interpretation
  • Successful artworks allow for multiple valid readings beyond stated goals
  • Abstract Expressionism encouraging subjective viewer responses (Rothko's color field paintings)

Collaborative and Evolving Intentions

• Collaborative or participatory art forms shaped by multiple contributors' intentions
  • Fluxus movement's group performances and happenings
  • Crowdsourced digital art projects
• Role of artistic intention debated throughout art history
  • Varying emphasis placed by different artistic movements and critical approaches
  • Intentionalist vs. anti-intentionalist theories in aesthetics and art criticism

Art and Context

Cultural Influence on Art Definition

• Cultural values and societal norms shape what is considered art
• Diverse definitions across cultures and historical periods
  • Western fine art traditions vs. functional art in many non-Western cultures
  • Shifting perceptions of craft and design as art forms
• Evolution of artistic movements reflects changing cultural contexts
  • Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and nature in response to Industrialization
  • Pop Art's embrace of consumer culture in post-war America

Institutional and Technological Factors

• Institutional theories emphasize role of cultural institutions in legitimizing artworks
  • Museums, galleries, and critics shape art definition within specific contexts
  • Controversies over inclusion of non-traditional forms in major art institutions (graffiti, digital art)
• Technological advancements expand art definition
  • Photography's journey from documentation to fine art medium
  • New media art incorporating virtual reality and artificial intelligence
• Globalization of art markets leads to more inclusive definitions
  • Incorporation of diverse cultural perspectives and practices
  • Rise of international biennales and art fairs

Historical and Social Impacts

• Historical events, social movements, and political ideologies shape artistic production
  • War and conflict inspiring protest art (Dada movement in response to World War I)
  • Feminist art challenging gender representation (Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party")
• Avant-garde concept illustrates artists pushing against established definitions
  • Duchamp's readymades challenging notions of artistic skill and originality
  • Fluxus movement blurring boundaries between art and everyday life
• Function and value of art in society redefined through cultural and historical shifts
  • Art as religious or spiritual object vs. art as commodity in capitalist societies
  • Public art movements aiming to democratize access to artistic expression