A dictionary defines art as a conscious esthetically meaningful arrangement of elements. Okay, so what does that mean? It appears to reveal very little about what art is. However, an analysis of the definition's key words prove to be most helpful.
Conscious is the first word that pops out at you. It simply means intentional. The next word is esthetically. It pertains to the sense of the beautiful. And that one can surely raise some serious debate. The third word of the definition that is significant to its understanding is the word elements. This means the parts of an entity. With this said, it may now be inferred that art is a deliberate act; that there is a prevailing sense of organization and that there is demonstrated some aspect of the sense of the beautiful. Here, beautiful will mean 'pleasing in some way.' Finally, the parts have been so arranged to show that conscious plan and its intended sense of beauty. Is that all there is? No.
Some writers in the field of art list three major characteristics of a work of art. Others list more. I will mention four.
First and most obvious characteristic of a work of art is that it is man-made and that it is intended to be a work of art. Whether the work is a painting, film, dance, sculpture, or a literary piece, it has to be created by man for the express purpose of being an object d'art. It is created from some raw material, words, musical notes, or body movements.
Second characteristic not matter the medium, the work of art must express the artist's thoughts, feelings, and attitudes and that these are expressed for an audience.
The third characteristic of a work of art is originality. It must be a product of the artist's mind, his imagination, and of his own creativity. It is taking something and making something new.
The fourth and last characteristic of art is that it is accepted as a work of art. It must be accepted by other artists, critics, and by audiences. This does not imply that the work has to be liked. Remember, great works of art have frequently been the brunt of severe criticism and even ridicule. Despite that, the work is still recognized as a work of art.
A work of art is timeless. As Picasso once said, 'Art has neither a past nor a future." And I will add, because it is. It exists.
