What is Art and Does It Matter?

As a student of visual media it is extremely important to apprehend what makes something art. As a group we are all passionate about producing innovative unique designs, but without having the theoretical foundation of traditional art we would be putting ourselves at a disadvantage creatively.

By having the knowledge of the four major artistic categories, I’m better able to criticize my own work (as well as the work of my peers). I can use what we have learned as a tool or lens to view art in an entirely new way. I’m now able to articulate why I like a piece of artwork based on specific characteristics of the piece that led me to my conclusion.

After learning about the artistic movements described in the text, I can make informed assumptions about what might motivate a similar shift in artistic trends in our lifetime. Significant social and cultural issues affect the way people view the art that artists create.

There are several benefits for acquiring knowledge about professionals in my area of study. I’m just starting to dip my feet in the water when it comes to developing myself professionally. By learning about the masters of my craft, I can stay engaged and motivated to develop my career. I can recognize what the limitations and opportunities were for those who came before me and I create a plan to take advantage of the lessons learned throughout their experiences. The easiest way to stay connected with important players in the field is by interacting with them on social media sites, attending conferences/networking events and by staying up to date with the news and trends in the industry.

Overall this text drove home what I already knew–that art is inherently subjective. It helped me realize new techniques and frameworks for expressing myself. I now have a broad understanding of how to view art and its role in our world.