What Is Art?

Actually, it's stupid to try and answer that question.:) One cannot actually "answer" it, one can only determine their own personal answer and stick by it, because - ultimately - everyone has their own definition of art.

Can you set standards for art? I think so. For me, bad art is still art. Don't artists want to have high standards to aim for? Of course, I've raised the question, what is "good" art and what is "bad" art?

This question can be more easily answered than the "What Is Art?" question.

For me, the single most important function of art is Catharsis. Catharsis is defined as: A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit.

"That restores or refreshes the spirit!" Greek theater was very big on Catharsis. More specifically for them, an audience that experienced Catharsis wanted to make a change for the better.

Is it easy to restore or refresh a spirit? That should be an easy "no". Truly great art finds a way to offer their viewer a Catharsis. What won't do it? Something quick, cheap, cliche or obscene (and we all know when something is obscene, let's be honest. That is not so hard to figure out as the Supreme Court would have you believe.)

It takes work to evoke catharsis and it is the mark of great art. If that is not a standard you want your art to reach, then what would be the point? I wouldn't want to see it. Give something to your audience, rather then just taking their applause, attention or money.

Give them something that will last!

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