Art exists wherever humans exist, and it fulfills the basic human need to express themselves. There are two main categories of art, personal and community. Personal art is for personal delight and decoration, while community art is used for religious devotion or political expression. In addition, art can connect disparate communities by appealing to their shared humanity.
Historically, the word art meant a craft. It was something that you could master by practice and hard work, and often came with a special symbolism associated with the time period. During the Romantic period, art became more of an expression of originality. The quest for originality brought about a revaluation of art, and the advent of modernism.
Painting is one of the oldest forms of art. It dates back tens of thousands of years, and can be seen in caves in different parts of the world. Some of these sites are now world heritage sites. Painting is the application of colors and ink to a two-dimensional surface. This process can be painful and cathartic, and can help release pent-up emotion.
Artists don’t always understand the motivations behind their choices, and what they’re trying to express is usually subconscious. For instance, an artist might feel an urge to express rage and anger after experiencing a violent confrontation. The artist may decide to paint the canvas with agitated marks to express this emotion. The meaning of these non-objective shapes may become apparent only after the artist’s work has been executed and the artist has moved on to another canvas.
Artists may choose to pursue a career in fine art or commercial art, or to pursue a mixed career. While most artists create fine art, some choose to make their living as commercial artists. In many cases, commercial artists are hired to create art for a business or a brand. These artists often work to develop unique and creative visual solutions for their clients. They may offer services in a number of different fields, including illustration, Web design, graphic design, blog design, animation, and motion graphics.
Decorative arts are objects created to beautify the home. These items often include everyday objects, but are distinct from their mass-produced counterparts. In addition to fine art, decorative art includes interior design, textiles, glassware, metalwork, and enamelwork. Many examples of contemporary fine art include David Kracov, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kasuma, Barbara Kruger, and Damien Hirst.
Sculpture can involve several stages, including modeling, casting, and carving. The finished sculpture may be free-standing or in relief. Many sculptures are created in relief, such as Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro and Mount Rushmore in Washington, DC. Some sculptures are made from everyday objects. These sculptures often bear religious or secular significance.
Theater has a rich history and can be performed in many different forms. The spoken word and visual art have enriched human culture for thousands of years. The Colosseum in Rome, for example, was a popular site for entertainment. Although now in ruins, it is still a testament to the thriving Roman culture. Similarly, the first theater in the “western world” was created in Rome in the sixth century BCE.