I recently came across an interesting question asked about the meaning of art and if there is such a thing as meaningless art. This is an interesting topic of conversation and prompted me to engage in the discussion. In my opinion, all art has meaning. For the artist and the viewer. I will explain.
Art is subjective and perspective is everything!
It is all inclusive. Art is the result of the process of being creative. We make art because we have a vision. That vision is a result of our interpretation of the world around us or feelings we want to express.
Thus… our perspective.
Thus… the subject of what we think is relevant, important, necessary.
Not just the fact of how we arrange our art or use measurements in the construction of our art.
How do you measure joy? What do you feel is important?
This is in the creation of our art.
Then…. Others can interpret our art and make a judgement for themselves.
That is what I mean about art being subjective and perspective is everything.
Meaningless art?
Many people view art and say “I don’t get it” or don’t understand what the artist was trying to communicate in their work. Sometimes, it is difficult for an artist to convey what they actually mean in their work because they are just working out their emotions or thoughts into something tangible.
So, this can possibly be what some artists may call “meaningless” because they were just creating and doing the art process instinctively without a plan.
In my opinion, art always has a meaning. For the artist and the viewer. There is interpretation which has meaning. Even the piece with the black canvas and just a white dot on it. Just some people would not want the art for themselves or appreciate the work involved and might say it has no meaning to them.
This, of course, is Just my opinion though. You may interpret as you will for yourself.
The beauty of art and perceived value.
Many people want to only see beauty in art. Their view of art is that the piece should make them feel happy, pleased, comforted, or amused by the content of an artwork to be appreciated. Again, this is meaningful because it is their interpretation of the art that puts value on the artwork itself. It is a perceived value.
We all base everything on life from our own perspective and view of life that is created by our own experiences. This forms our beliefs and fundamental values. All the situations we have been through and ideas we have formed and feelings we have encountered help quantify what we value in life. Everything has a price tag. Maybe not always in money… but in value. So how we place that value on something, including artwork, is due to our own understanding and it creates the perceived value we formulate. Sometimes the value is on tangible things that we can appreciate with our senses and sometimes the value is placed on intangible things we cannot touch, but they are still felt within us.
The most beautiful thing about art is the fact that the perceived value is different for everyone. It is completely customizable. Art is personalized and unique for every individual. We all find beauty in different ways. What one may find beautiful someone else may see as awful. What one individual may see as grotesque, another person may see the vulnerability and find that beautiful. Art is an expression of our highs and our lows and everything in between.
Making art is a physical and tangible way to process our intangible thoughts and emotions into something we can feel and experience for ourselves. How we perceive that is our own view of interpretation of what the artist was trying to say or release in their creativity.
Art is meaningful to everyone. It carries substance. It holds intention. It exudes creativity. Art represents what we sometimes cannot emotionally communicate and that, in itself, is beautiful, meaningful, and valuable.
Am I an Artist or Hobbyist?
Many people do not attempt to create art because they do not think they are an Artist or have the ability to be creative. This is an odd notion because if we applied the same logic to making a meal then we would not eat because we don’t think we are a Chef or have the ability to cook. I want to interpret this further. Because there are people who have artistic talent or culinary talent who choose to follow that path in life and eventually become professional in that practice of their talent. Both professions have many forms of creativity and ways to achieve their work. Same for musicians and entertainers as well. There is a talent element to the creative arts, however, that does not mean that anyone should not create art. We are all born creative. I’ll say it again… we are all born with creativity. We all have the ability to be creative. We all have the chance to do something with that creativity in its many forms. So everyone should be making art. Even if it is only for themselves. Even if no one else will ever see the artwork or appreciate it. Even if you throw it away after you make it. You should be doing it and having the experience of doing the art process. We are a creation ourselves and made to be creative too!
Many people start a hobby because they need a creative outlet. As we age we become consumed by the day to day obligations that come with adulthood. We are no longer free to explore as we did when we were children. So, we work and work and work hard to achieve our ambitions and goals but there’s always something missing. We don’t feel complete or fulfilled or comfortable because we have abandoned the one part of us that allows us to express ourselves openly. When we make art, we are focused on the act of being creative and that sparks something within us to do more, be more, feel more, and appreciate more. It grounds us the same time as freeing us.
So whether you make art as a hobby in your spare time, or create artful masterpieces as a profession, it is all meaningful and worthwhile. Value yourself and your art will reward you with what you’ve been missing and help find the meaning of life. So in conclusion, art is meaningful and valuable in many ways, all we have to do is be open to art and let it speak to us. So go and be creative on purpose!
Purposefully Creative with April 