What is Art? 何謂藝術?

Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa Mona Lisa, oil on wood panel by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1503–06; in the Louvre, Paris.

Defining Art: A Multifaceted Concept

藝術的定義：一個多面向的概念

Art is a complex and multifaceted concept with no single, universally accepted definition. Its meaning is not easy to be explored and has evolved throughout history and across cultures. The word "art" is often associated with "form" and "visuality". The common characteristics and motivations that people use art for are all derived from a desire to please/pleasure, thereby satisfying our aesthetic sense. However, art is not necessarily beautiful, but rather an intuition. Whatever is considered beautiful or ugly in anyone's eyes can become a work of art. In fact, everyone possesses artistic talent, most directly expressing themselves through graphics and patterns. For example, we instinctively add unnecessary buttons to our clothing to coordinate with other items, achieving our desired look. Patterns are merely one form of expression and are not sufficient to constitute art. What people perceive in works of art is the artist's or creator's personal qualities, reflecting their unique perspective on the world. Therefore, art is a way of thinking, expressing thoughts and feelings from different perspectives and angles, and these expressions are depended on our language, culture, and family background.

Traditional art forms generally recognized by the general public are nothing more than painting and sculpture. However, in the development of contemporary art, a variety of media have become important means of artistic expression, including sound, music, video, installation art, and performing art.

藝術是一個複雜而多面向的概念，沒有一個統一且普遍接受的定義，探討藝術的意義並不容易，它在歷史和文化中不斷演變。藝術此字眼往往與“造形”和“視覺性”相關，人們透過藝術所取的的共同特質及動機，均來自一種取悅/愉悅的慾望，從而滿足我們的美感。然而，藝術不是必然地具有美感，而是一種直覺，不論任何人眼中的所謂美醜都可以成為藝術品。簡單而言, 其實每個人都擁有藝術天分，最直接地採用圖形、圖案表達自己，例如人本能上會在衣服上加入不必要的鈕扣，與其他衣物相配搭，一切可能是為了美觀和裝飾性，達至人們理想中的形態。圖案只是其中一種表達方式，並不足以構成藝術。人們從藝術作品接收到的，屬於藝術家/創作者的個人特質，表現出對世界獨特的看法。因此，藝術是一種思考方式，以不同觀點和角度表達想法和感受，這種表現方式隨著我們的語言、文化、家庭背景而各有不同。

一般普羅大眾認識的傳統藝術形式不外乎繪畫(painting)和雕像(sculpture) ，但是在當代藝術發展中，已經有多種媒介成為重要的藝術表達方式，包括聲音(sound)、音樂(music)、影片(video)、攝影(photography)、裝置藝術(installation)、行為藝術(performing art)等。

Perspectives on Art

藝術的作用

• Art as Imitation (Mimesis): This classical view sees art as a representation of reality. A successful artwork accurately reflects the world around us.

• Art as Communication: Art conveys emotions, ideas, and experiences from the artist to the audience. The artwork serves as a medium for expression and connection.

• Art as Expression: Art is the outward manifestation of an artist's inner thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. The artwork is a personal and authentic expression.

• Art as Social Commentary: Art can critique social norms, political issues, and cultural values. It challenges the status quo and provokes dialogue.

• Art for Art's Sake (Aestheticism): Art exists purely for its aesthetic qualities, independent of any practical or moral purpose. Beauty and form are paramount.

  
  

• 藝術即模仿（摹仿）：這種古典觀點認為藝術是現實的再現。一件成功的藝術作品能夠準確地反映我們周圍的世界。

• 藝術作為溝通：藝術將藝術家的情感、思想和體驗傳遞給觀眾。藝術品是表達和連結的媒介。

• 藝術表達：藝術是藝術家內心思想、情感與感知的外在體現。藝術作品是個人化、真實的表達。

• 藝術作為社會發聲渠道：藝術可以批判社會規範、政治議題和文化價值。它挑戰現狀，引發對話。

• 為藝術而藝術（唯美主義）：藝術純粹因其美學特質而存在，獨立於任何實用或道德目的。美與形式至上。

  
  

  Conclusion: Appreciating the Breadth of Art

  總結: 欣賞藝術的闊度

  Ultimately, understanding art involves acknowledging its subjective nature and the diverse perspectives through which it can be viewed. By exploring different definitions, considering various viewpoints, and examining examples across a range of mediums, we can develop a richer appreciation for the profound and multifaceted world. Whether it's a painting, a song, a dance, or a building, art has the power to inspire, challenge, and connect ourselves.

  
  

  歸根究底，理解藝術需要承認其主體性，以及人們看待事物的多元視角。透過探索不同的定義，思考不同的觀點，並檢視不同媒介的實例，我們可以更深入地欣賞深刻而多面向的世界。無論是繪畫、歌曲、舞蹈或建築，藝術都有著啟發、挑戰和連結我們的力量。