Monday, January 7th, 2008...12:36 pm

Is art the black sheep of academics?

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What is art? The dictionary says art is the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. What purpose does it serve? Its purpose varies.  Some art is meant to be beautiful, some art is meant to be completely disturbing or shocking, and some art is meant to simply make one think a bit more or dig a little deeper. What is considered art and what is not? Firstly, I believe art is everywhere. Secondly, I also believe trying to determine whether or not something should be considered a piece of art makes very little sense. So the question to me is actually whether art is successful or unsuccessful. Is it important? Most definitely, and not for some romantically rousing reason, either. After all, art isn’t always some lofty dream or deep meaningful theory that has been put to paper or carved out of stone, nor is it just something pretty at which to look. Art can be extremely practical.  One perfect example is art as historical documentation.  We would not have an understanding of numerous traditions, societies, and governments without it. Art can solve mysteries, explain evolutionary gaps … art tells a story. So why then is art measured as a mere second hand play thing when it serves such important purposes?

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