Art, Tok Practice

TOK Essay – ART
PART 1

What is art? The definition of ‘art’ perhaps makes one of the most controversial, yet confounding topic of discussion; where it is observed that each individual definitely has a view point. Some are ardent supporters of their beliefs, while others choose to sit on the fence. Everyone has their own answer to –“what is art”.
Majority agree with the idea that “art is a medium of expression”, which is probably one of the most stereotypical definition; but its overuse does not undermine its credibility.
For some, art is confined to physical beauty, whereas others affix an emotional and/or personal aspect with the subject and consider it to be somewhat therapeutic. For some, art is skill, but for the rest it’s creativity. Some feel art is the product of thoughts and emotions in man, while others believe that nature is art too!
So, is there a “right” or “wrong” definition? Can there be a “correct” definition? If yes, on what basis should one choose the correct explanation?
But, why should art have ‘one’ correct definition? Besides, do we have to define art at all?
Nevertheless, let’s put forth all viewpoints (listed above) together. The amalgamation of all the definitions above would be, “art is a creative medium of expression, thoughts, feelings and emotions presented in a skillfully aesthetic form existing in nature.” The customized definition may yet seem incomplete to many. Hence, I would like to sum up by saying that art in infinite, art is divine. Therefore it is better to leave it undefined.

What can be considered art?
This is yet another question that attracts different perspectives, which, again cannot be judges due to the subjective nature of art. It might probably be more convenient to understand a person’s notion on art, according to his/her nature and interests. I have observed that people with a more business mindset consider any piece of art which has earned accolades and is world-renowned; albeit it might just be as simple as a paint dab or a complex artwork. The second set of people; - people more inclined towards science mostly associate art with nature and are open to consider almost everything (painting, nature, literature etc) as art (observed fact). Others might find this bizarre, but science is often bizarre; science believes in miracles and magic, hence, so do people falling under this category do. The next set of people are more philosophical/spiritual in their approach. For them, art lies not in the outcome, but in the process. They consider art to have remedial powers which can alleviate any kind of stress. Lastly, the group consisting of “so-called” artists... But, the question that arises is that are there only a certain group of people who are “artists”? If yes, who is an artist?

Who is an artist?
An artist is not just a person with a paint brush. An artist is someone who can imagine, who can dream, who can visualize, feel and perceive. He might either be a sportsperson, writer or poet. Likewise, an artist can be someone with a sense of music or someone who can groove to the rhythm of the same (music). Actors are artists and so are politicians and chefs. In fact if something is done well, with skill or learnt by study and practice, it is said to be an art and the doer- an artist. Be it driving a car, wearing a pretty dress, putting a child to sleep or 'the art of conversation'. In short, everyone is an artist.