Art is a category of creative work that includes, but is not limited to, sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints. The term may also be applied to musical compositions, dance, poetry and architecture. In its broadest sense, art is the expression of human imagination and a way to communicate ideas and emotions. Art is often used for a purpose other than its own beauty, such as for propaganda or to sell a product; this use can influence mood and perception.
Identifying the genre of an artwork helps us understand its purpose and the message it is trying to convey. What is the artist trying to say about this particular subject, place or situation? How does the artist’s style contribute to the overall effect of the artwork?
The first artistic displays by humans date back to prehistoric times, when Homo sapiens decorated the interiors of caves for narrative, shamanic or ritual purposes. Early works used natural pigments to depict animal and hunting scenes, the landscape and ways of life.
In the development of human culture, art expanded to include more representations of people, events and everyday life, as well as the religious and mythical subjects that had been popular earlier. Early artworks also began to incorporate a more sophisticated use of linear mark-making, which allows for more detail and greater complexity of expression.
Seeing and creating art can be a positive experience for individuals, as well as their communities. Studies show that art makes people feel more connected to others and improves mood and cognitive functioning. Artistic expression can help individuals cope with anxiety, depression and illness by providing a non-threatening way to express feelings. Art therapy and creating art with children can promote self-esteem, increase social competence and foster a sense of belonging.
Art can also serve as a means of social criticism, as in protests against war or racism, or as commentary on societal issues such as poverty, inequality and pollution. It can also provide a glimpse into the history of a society and the world around us, as in historic or archaeological depictions.
The meaning of an artwork is open to interpretation, and there can be many different, competing, and contradictory interpretations of a piece of art. Some interpretations are influenced by the fact that an artwork has been commissioned, or created in response to a specific design brief; it can be useful to consider the context and intention of a work when interpreting it.
Regardless of the purpose, all art is in some way about the world in which it emerged. Considering the origins of an artwork can help us understand its cultural context and value.