1) Define art in your own words.
To me, “Art” has a very broad and entirely subjective definition. To me art is anything deliberately created with conscious thought behind it that can be experienced by any of the senses while having a definite, though not always specific, purpose. This is simply my definition for art and I understand that it is by no means a universal one.
To me, “Art” has a very broad and entirely subjective definition. To me art is anything deliberately created with conscious thought behind it that can be experienced by any of the senses while having a definite, though not always specific, purpose. This is simply my definition for art and I understand that it is by no means a universal one.
2) Consider the situation of the Colbert portrait carefully. Then decide whether of not this is really art. Please explain as fully as possible your thoughts on this.
In the case of the Colbert Portrait, I do indeed believe that it fully qualifies as art according to the criteria that I have chosen to accept. Does it have conscious thought behind it? Yes, it was drawn, animated, etc. by a thinking mind. Conscious decisions were made during its creation. Can it be experienced by any of the senses? Yes, primarily through sight but an over-eager observer could experience it though different senses like touch. Does it have a definite purpose behind it? Yes, it does. It was created with the intent of advertising his TV program. By no means a glorious purpose but still one reached by intentional thought. However, it also has a greater purpose, or at least one more relevant to the idea that it is “Art”, which is that it is intended to provoke reactions from people, may they be positive or negative. It may have once only served as an advertisement for ‘The Colbert Report’, but now it is far more than that. It now serves as a catalyst for discussion, cultural introspection and the sharing of opinions. Even though it was in a joking manner, it was said of “Colbert’s Portraits” that they contain something “controversial and powerful.” The fact that this portrait is causing such discussion and opinion sharing makes it in my opinion, not simply a work of art, but a successful one. Its success lies not in its aesthetic quality, technical perfection or timeless appeal, but in the kinds and variety of reactions it provokes.