Opinion

Throughout our lives we are always told not to let the opinions of others to influence our decisions or even so far as to say be peer pressured. But really opinions play a huge role in society when it comes to art. Today in class we said that others opinions are what determine what is a great work of art or not. So if we don't let an opinion influence us then we will never know what is great or not, or according to what group. Even though throughout our lives we have been told to not be influenced by others, like many other things there are exceptions. Do you think that if an artist didn't find the opinion of their work of art it would be interpreted the same?

Descriptive

Art is descriptive, the artist intends to convey a meaning to the observer. Whether or not the observer receives the same message as the artist intended is questionable. For numerous classes we have been trying to define "art" but this is something that I think can't be defined. Art is something that is broad and can't be defined, but rather just something that is judged based on a more visual aspect. So therefore I don't think art can ever be defined, but I don't think it is meant to be because it is something that is meant to make us think. We are meant to go outside of our comfort zones and I think that some pieces of art do that. Do you think that art will ever be defined? Or do you think that it should be?

Characteristics

At the beginning of Weitz the differences in characteristics is addressed. This is particularly looked at through family portraits. I thought that this was interesting because so often people look for what is similar they don't look for what may be unique to an individual. While there can often be similarities, it is the differences that make something what it is. People aren't the same so art shouldn't be either. Do you agree with Weitz when he says that are evolves?

Experience

There are so many different things that can be classified as an experience, a walk on a nice day, a talk with a friend, viewing a painting, watching a movie. This is a broad viewpoint, so therefore I would suggest that it is from the observers perspective what is to be classified as an experience for them. For instance sometimes a talk with friend can be an experience (I didn't say it is always a good experience). So where do you determine which experiences are good and which are bad? Are you supposed to classify them as well because they are an experience all the same that will shape us into who we are.

Artist and Observer

How art is viewed through the perspective of the artist or the observer is a subject that we tend to keep returning to. An observer can often have many different ideas what something can be, some very off course than what the actual work of art is. In class today we discussed that we as observers often want to fill in any blanks ourselves, however this can distort a meaning. Therefore when possible it is best to get the artists interpretation. Do you think that misinterpretation of certain works of art primarily applies to abstract or do you think it can go into other categories as well?

Tired

Today in class we spoke of the possibility for one to get tired of a certain art form over time. This is a statement that I agree with. People change their mind about the types of music that they like to listen as they grow up or as music evolves. It only makes sense for someones opinion to change over time as they grow older because they are now seeing things from a different perspective than they did when they first heard, read or saw something. Do you think that it is possible for someone to be consistent in their feelings towards a particular piece of art though? Meaning not change the interpretation at all in the slightest.

Abstract Art

Abstract art is an art form that I have never really fully been able to grasp. After reading the chapter with Clive Bell I still don't fully think I have come to terms with it. But after class the other day I now better understand the importance of interpreting the meaning of what the artist had intended, especially considering that there is so much emotion put into such a piece of work. Like any piece of art there are many different ways to interpret it. I feel that abstract art leaves more space though for interpretation. Do you think abstract art or perhaps even art provides a lot of room for interpretation of the emotions and the meaning behind it?