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Art is categorised, divided, organised and sorted in many ways and in this blog I summarised all the divisions to help art buyers and collectors to work out what they're buying. This article covers how art is categorised.
Why do I give this information freely? Some people have to go to art schools and pay thousands of dollars to understand this but I think if visual arts is to be more popular and more purchased by everyone to start their own collection and the effect the art can make on the artist is immense. This knowledge must be freely shared and well understood. Art is a closely guarded thing sometimes much the same way as when the Christendom burned “heretics” on the stake for reading and distributing the Bible. Of course the art academics will not burn me on a stake but they will not be happy for me to share this freely since people have to pay them to understand this. Of course they are still very much important for those wanting to understand art categorisation more.
If something needs to be corrected: If I've got something wrong, please contact me through my social media about this blog or via the contact form on this website. I'm still learning about art. If I've got something wrong let me know. I'm trying to establish facts in art categorisation rather than opinions.
Contents
Time Division
So how is art categorized then?
Art, in its many forms, reflects the diversity of human experience, emotion, and creativity. Categorizing art is essential for understanding and appreciating its vast spectrum, whether it's for academic study, collecting, or simply enjoying as a viewer. But how exactly is art categorized?
The process involves various methods that take into account elements like style, medium, historical period, cultural context, and even the intended message or purpose of the artwork. These categories help us navigate the art world, making it easier to recognize patterns, connect with the artist's intent, and see how different works relate to one another.
What Are the Different Ways Art is Organized, and Why Does It Matter?
Art can be categorized in a variety of ways—by period, movement, type, medium, form, style, and more. However, these classifications can often overlap, leading to confusion and misconceptions about how art is organized. Understanding these different categories is crucial for anyone looking to appreciate art more deeply, whether they are collectors, students, or casual viewers.
But how do we make sense of these classifications, and what role do they play in our understanding of art and artists? This blog aims to untangle the complexities of art categorization, exploring the various ways art is organized and why these distinctions are important.
But how did categorization begin? Let’s find out.
The History of Art Categorization
The practice of categorizing art has roots that stretch back to ancient civilizations. Early efforts to organize and classify art were often tied to religious and cultural practices. In Ancient Egypt, for example, art was categorized based on its function, with a strong emphasis on the spiritual and the afterlife. The Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, began to categorize art based on style and subject matter, laying the groundwork for the distinction between genres like portraiture, landscape, and still life.
During the Renaissance, art categorization became more formalized as scholars and artists sought to revive and build upon classical traditions. The development of art academies in Europe further solidified these categories, as they emphasized the importance of technique and subject matter in their teaching. Artists were often classified by the medium they worked in—painting, sculpture, or architecture—and by the subjects they depicted, such as history, religion, or mythology.
As the centuries progressed, art categorization evolved in response to new movements and ideas. The 19th century saw the rise of art criticism and the establishment of more nuanced categories, driven by the desire to differentiate between styles like Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism. By the 20th century, the explosion of modern and contemporary art brought even more complexity, with categories being defined not just by style and subject, but by the artist’s intent, philosophy, and even their cultural or political statements.
Today, the categorization of art continues to evolve, reflecting the diversity and global nature of the art world. While traditional categories like genre, medium, and style remain important, there is also increasing recognition of the need to consider context, identity, and the cultural significance of artworks. This historical journey of art categorization shows how our understanding of art has expanded, helping us appreciate the rich and varied tapestry of human creativity.
Time Division
Counting years of human history: Humans count years in various ways but most commonly history of humans is based on BC and CE. Who's important to understand this division as art can be dated.
BC - Years with the BC means year Before Christ or Before the Common Era is counted from before Jesus Christ's birth.
CE - Years with CE at the end of it mean a year after the Christian Era or counted from Jesus Christ's Birth or alternatively called after the Common Era.
Now, in the sections that follow, we will explore the different ways art is categorized, providing you with a framework to better understand and appreciate the many facets of artistic expression.
Fundamental division in visual art
I think it's firstly important to find a division between the real versus the imaginary. Dividing art into artworks that represent the world we see around us and the world that is hidden or non-existent can help ground the direction of the art that is being viewed. What can complicate things if an artwork uses real and imaginary elements - what can then be said perhaps that the work is both abstract and figurative. My take on all visual art is separating it first between the real representation of the world around us and the non real:
Figurative art (real world, figurativism)
Figurative art is visual language such as shape, form, colour and line to create compositions that clearly represent the real world around us or from real objects in the physical universe around us. Figurative art is not related to figure painting. Figurative art does include the human form and all things in the physical universe around us. Of course, some art movements such as surrealism mix figurative and abstract together.
Here are some key characteristics of figurative art:
Representation of Reality: Figurative art aims to represent the physical world and its objects accurately. This includes depicting the human form, animals, landscapes, and everyday objects in a way that is easily identifiable to viewers.
Visual Language: Artists use elements such as shape, form, color, and line to create compositions that mirror or interpret real-world subjects. These visual elements help convey details and characteristics of the subjects being represented.
Not Limited to Figure Painting: Although figurative art can include figure painting, it is not restricted to it. Figurative art encompasses all forms that depict real objects and scenes, including still lifes, landscapes, and genre scenes, as well as the human form.
Here are some examples of figurative types of art:
Traditional Figurative Art: Historically, figurative art includes classical traditions where artists aimed to depict subjects with precision and attention to detail, such as in Renaissance art or realism.
Surrealism: This art movement blends figurative and abstract elements. Surrealist artists often use realistic depictions of figures and objects but place them in dreamlike or illogical settings, creating a fusion of reality and imagination.
Expressionism and Modern Figurative Art: Some modern and contemporary art movements use figurative elements to express emotional or psychological states rather than focusing solely on realistic representation. These works may distort or manipulate figures and forms to convey deeper meanings or subjective experiences.
Purpose and impact of figurative art:
Communication of Ideas: Figurative art serves to communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives through recognizable subjects. It can convey stories, document realities, or reflect cultural and personal perspectives.
Connection to the Viewer: By depicting familiar subjects, figurative art often establishes an immediate connection with the viewer. This connection can enhance understanding and appreciation of the artwork, as viewers can relate to the depicted subjects.
In essence, figurative art is about creating visual representations of the real world or real objects. It allows artists to explore and depict the physical universe in a way that resonates with viewers through recognizable forms and subjects.
Abstract art (imaginary)
Abstract art is visual language such as shape, form, colour and line to create compositions that do not represent the real world or real objects in the physical universe around us. Of course, some art movements such as surrealism mix figurative and abstract together.
Here are some key characteristics of abstract art:
Non-Representational: Abstract art does not depict specific objects, people, or scenes. Instead, it uses visual elements in a non-literal way, allowing for a broader range of interpretation and emotional response.
Emphasis on Visual Elements: Artists work with shape, form, color, and line to create compositions that may evoke emotions, ideas, or aesthetic experiences without referring to the physical world. These elements are used in novel and innovative ways to explore artistic concepts.
Imagination and Interpretation: Abstract art often relies on the viewer’s imagination and interpretation. Since the subject matter is not explicitly defined, the viewer is encouraged to engage with the artwork on a more personal and subjective level.
Here are some examples of abstract types of art:
Early 20th Century: Abstract art emerged prominently in the early 20th century with movements such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Jackson Pollock explored abstraction as a way to express emotions and ideas without the constraints of realistic representation.
Surrealism: Although primarily known for its dreamlike and fantastical imagery, Surrealism often incorporates abstract elements. Surrealist artists blend abstract and figurative approaches to create works that challenge conventional perceptions and evoke subconscious experiences.
Contemporary Abstract Art: In contemporary art, abstraction continues to evolve, incorporating various media and techniques. Artists may use digital tools, mixed media, and unconventional materials to push the boundaries of abstract expression.
Purpose and impact of abstract art:
Exploration of Concepts: Abstract art allows artists to explore and communicate abstract concepts, emotions, and ideas that might not be easily conveyed through representational art. It provides a way to experiment with form, color, and composition.
Personal Engagement: The open-ended nature of abstract art invites viewers to engage more deeply with their own responses and interpretations. Each viewer may derive a unique meaning or feeling from the artwork, making the experience highly individual.
Aesthetic and Emotional Experience: Abstract art can focus on aesthetic qualities and emotional impact rather than narrative content. It offers a visual and sensory experience that can resonate on a different level compared to representational art.
In summary, abstract art is a genre that prioritizes visual and emotional experiences over realistic depiction. By focusing on the fundamental elements of art, it opens up a realm of imagination and interpretation, allowing both artists and viewers to explore new dimensions of creative expression.
Let’s now look at the historical categorisation in visual arts.
Historical Categorization of Visual Art
Viewing Art made from today and made in the past is a way to categorize art by dividing it into art in recent times and in the long past. It's a division of art today and prior to the mid 20th century. There is also existent today traditional artist and art lover circles even here in Melbourne and contemporary focused artists and art lovers. Both schools of thought are ok and allowed - although they fight sometimes calling each other either outdated or not art. But let's use the ancient Roman word: Pax (peace) because life is too short to squabble so let's maintain everlasting peace. But there are many art history related divisions. Here are the 2 main historical divisions:
Traditional art (the past)
Traditional art refers to established ways of making art that were defined over centuries. It includes well defined styles and techniques as well as rules, standards and practices that have been established by artists for a long time. Examples of classical or traditional art movements are for example Renaissance, Neoclassical or Baroque. It's usually everything before the mid 20th century. Some Art communities today stick to the traditional art religiously. In my opinion they often do not recognise abstract artists or artists that create art with styles post mid 20th century. But that is fine, as long as traditionals and contemporary artists and art lovers need to maintain everlasting Pax (Roman word for peace).
Traditional art is not the same as "Classical art" period (see below note)
Note on "Classical Art" Period:
Since classical art is an art movement primarily around the ancient civilisations and the art they produced for example Greece and Rome roughly from 500 BCE to 500 CE. It also extends to the Renaissance and later periods, where artists revived classical principles. Classical art is characterized by an emphasis on harmony, proportion, balance, and idealized beauty. It often depicts subjects from mythology, religion, and history, with a focus on human figures, architecture, and nature. Classical sculptures, paintings, and architecture often aim for realism and perfection in form, reflecting the ideals of the time. The philosophy of classical art is rooted in the ideals of order, rationality, and beauty. It reflects the values of the societies that produced it, emphasizing the importance of humanism, the pursuit of knowledge, and the celebration of human achievement.
Contemporary art (today)
Contemporary art in visual arts means art made by artists living today or present day, although it's difficult to work out what “present day” means. Contemporary is usually from the mid 20th century till now. It goes away from the norms of classical and traditional art as discussed below.
Contemporary art is diverse and eclectic, often defying categorization. It embraces a wide range of styles, mediums, and techniques, including digital art, installation art, and performance art. Contemporary artists frequently address social, political, and cultural issues, exploring themes like identity, globalization, technological, and environmental concerns. Contemporary art is often more conceptual than modern art, emphasizing ideas and context as much as or more than the visual aesthetics. It is heavily influenced by postmodernism, which questions the very nature of art and challenges the idea of universal truths. And some contemporary artists don't like traditional artists. But all I can say is traditional and contemporary artists need to maintain everlasting Pax (Roman word for peace).
Contemporary art is not the same as "Modern Art" Movement which was an art movement from around the 1860s till the 1960s (See below note)
Note on "Modern Art" Movement:
Modern art typically refers to the period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s. Modern art is characterized by a break from traditional artistic conventions. Artists began to experiment with new forms, techniques, and materials, focusing on abstraction, expression, and a departure from realism. Movements like Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism fall under the umbrella of modern art. Modern art is often associated with a sense of optimism about progress and innovation. It reflects a desire to explore the boundaries of art, challenge established norms, and respond to rapid societal changes, such as industrialization and urbanization.
Let's now cover another important categorization or grouping called Art Movements, Schools and Periods.
Art Movement or School or Period
Movements, schools and periods are a set of divisions in art which use visual principles and techniques in a certain way to create a specific visual goal(s) or philosophy(ies). It is usually followed by a group of artists during a specific period of time (months, years or decades and that's called an art period as well). Art movements, in particular, have become very important in contemporary art but these days it isn’t tied to a particular period of time but focuses on the rules of the movement itself.
Although it’s part of categories it’s a very common and important way to divide art. So I have written about it separately in the “Art Categories” separate section. But first let’s learn about movements, schools and periods in more detail below.
Art Movement
Art Movement refers to a collective group of artists who work within a specific time period and share common stylistic, philosophical, or thematic goals. Art movements often arise in response to cultural, social, or political changes and are characterized by distinct approaches to art-making that distinguish them from other periods or styles. These movements can influence the direction of art and contribute to significant shifts in artistic practice and theory.
Characteristics: Art movements are defined by their shared artistic principles, techniques, and goals. Members of a movement often collaborate, exhibit together, or influence each other’s work, creating a recognizable and cohesive body of art.
Historical and Cultural Context: Movements often emerge during particular historical moments and reflect the cultural and social dynamics of the time. They can be responses to previous artistic traditions or revolutionary changes in society.
Examples:
Impressionism (late 19th century): Focused on capturing the effects of light and color through loose brushwork and an emphasis on everyday subjects and fleeting moments.
Cubism (early 20th century): Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, it broke objects into geometric shapes and reassembled them from multiple viewpoints, challenging traditional perspectives.
Surrealism (1920s): Aimed to explore the unconscious mind and dreamlike states, producing art that was often bizarre and illogical.
Abstract Expressionism (mid-20th century): Emphasized spontaneous, abstract forms and the emotional impact of color and brushstroke, with key figures including Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
Pop Art (1950s-1960s): Drew inspiration from popular culture and mass media, incorporating imagery from advertising, comics, and consumer goods into art, with artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.
Understanding art movements helps in appreciating the evolution of artistic styles and concepts, as well as the social and cultural factors that influence artistic expression.
Art School
Art school is a type of movement but from a particular art school or university. Art Schools refer to specific groups or movements of artists who share a common philosophy, style, technique, or approach to art and come from the same art school. These schools often arise in a particular geographic location or during a specific time period and are sometimes centered around a mentor or influential figure who leads or inspires the group. Art schools as a categorization help in understanding the development of artistic trends and the transmission of ideas among artists.
Philosophical and Stylistic Unity: Art schools are often characterized by a unified approach to art, where members share similar views on aesthetics, techniques, and subject matter. This unity can be ideological, where artists are bound by a common vision or purpose.
Geographic and Historical Context: Art schools frequently emerge in specific locations and are associated with the cultural and social environment of that place. For instance, the Florentine School during the Renaissance was centered around Florence, Italy, and was known for its emphasis on linear perspective and anatomical accuracy.
Examples of Art Schools:
The Barbizon School: A group of mid-19th-century French landscape painters who rejected the idealized landscapes of earlier periods in favor of more naturalistic scenes.
The Vienna Secession: An Austrian movement of artists and architects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who sought to break away from traditional academic art and embrace modernism.
The Hudson River School: A mid-19th-century American art movement that focused on romantic, grandiose landscapes, particularly of the Hudson River Valley.
The Heidelberg School: An Australian art movement of the late 19th century started in Melbourne, notable for its plein air (outdoor) painting style. The Heidelberg School artists were influenced by European Impressionism and focused on capturing the natural beauty of the Australian landscape with vivid color and light. Key figures include Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Frederick McCubbin.
Art schools as a categorization help art historians and enthusiasts trace the evolution of artistic ideas, understand regional variations, and identify the influence of key figures within these groups.
Art Period
Art Period refers to a specific span of time in art history during which certain styles, techniques, themes, and cultural influences were predominant. An art period is often characterized by a shared artistic approach and philosophy among artists, typically reflecting broader social, political, and cultural changes of the time. Understanding art periods helps in placing an artwork within its historical context, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the influences and innovations of that time.
Chronological Contents: Art periods are typically defined by start and end dates that correspond to significant changes in artistic practices or historical events. For example, the Renaissance (14th to 17th century) marked a revival of classical ideas and an emphasis on humanism, while the Modern period (late 19th to mid-20th century) is characterized by experimentation and a break from traditional forms.
Examples of Art Periods:
Renaissance (14th to 17th century): Focused on classical revival, humanism, and realism.
Baroque (17th century): Known for dramatic use of light, movement, and grandeur.
Romanticism (late 18th to mid-19th century): Emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism.
Modernism (late 19th to mid-20th century): Defined by innovation, abstraction, and a departure from traditional forms.
Contemporary (late 20th century to present): Encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches, often reflecting current social and technological trends.
Now let’s dig into all the other fine grained categories used in visual art.
Art Categories
Categorization is a way to classify art or group it. Art categories are systems used to classify and group artworks based on shared characteristics. It can cover various aspects such as:
Form: Defines the broad type of art (e.g., painting, sculpture).
Genre: The subject matter or theme, such as portrait, landscape, or abstract art.
Medium: The materials and techniques used, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art.
Technique: Delves into the specific methods used (e.g., glazing in ceramics, impasto in painting).
Style: The distinctive visual elements, techniques, and methods that typify an artist or movement, like Impressionism or Surrealism.
Purpose or Function: The intended use or role of the artwork, whether it’s decorative, religious, or political.
Cultural or Regional Context: The influence of the specific culture or region where the art was produced or where the artist comes from or from which culture the art is influenced from, like African art or Japanese ukiyo-e.
Understanding these categories helps in appreciating the diversity and depth of art, allowing for a more organized exploration of the vast art world. Let’s analyse those specific and common categorisations in this section in detail:
1. Art Form
Art form in visual arts is a categorisation by how the artist(s) uses(use) a certain way or method or process to express art visually or a type of art genre that might be used. It’s a way of categorizing art based on the techniques or materials used, as well as the style or genre of the artwork.
Different art forms allow artists to explore and communicate their ideas in diverse ways, each with its own set of conventions, history, and expressive possibilities. Examples of art form are painting, drawing, sculpture, murals, photography, installations. Each art form offers unique opportunities for expression, allowing artists to choose the medium that best aligns with their vision and message.
2. Art Medium
Art medium in visual arts is a categorisation by the material or substance that is used to make art. The choice of medium plays a crucial role in shaping the final outcome of the artwork, influencing its texture, durability, and overall aesthetic. Different mediums offer various possibilities and challenges, allowing artists to explore a wide range of expressions and techniques. For example clay, acrylic paint, computer, pencil, paper, canvas, their body (in performance art), and etc. The art mediums help a visual artist realise their vision.
Each art medium brings its own set of characteristics, affecting how the artist can manipulate and express their ideas. The choice of medium is often closely linked to the artist's intended message, the desired effect, and the practical considerations of the artwork’s creation and display.
3. Art Technique
Art technique in visual arts is a way to categorise art based on the methods and processes that artists may use to make their artworks. Techniques can vary widely depending on the medium, whether in painting, sculpture, or other forms of visual art. These techniques often define the style, texture, and overall impact of the artwork, reflecting the artist's unique approach.
There are many examples of art techniques. For example Pollock used cans of paint to pour them or spray paint with brushes onto the paint surface. In painting, there are common techniques such as pouring, impasto, glazing, sfumato, dry brushing and many more. In sculpture, there are some common techniques also such as carving, modeling, casting, assemblage, relief and many more. And in mixed media there are specific techniques such as collage, mosaic, kinetic sculpture and so on.
Each technique, whether in painting, sculpture, or mixed media, offers unique possibilities for expression. Artists choose their techniques based on the effects they wish to achieve and the materials they prefer to work with.
4. Art Genre
Art genre is a division to categorise artworks based on the object or subject being covered. Genres help to organize and categorize art, making it easier to understand and discuss different styles and approaches. Each genre often comes with its own set of conventions and characteristics, guiding both the creation and interpretation of the artwork.
For example within Figurative art you could have the following genres such as Still Life, Landscape, Portrait or Genre painting. In Abstract art some of the many genres are Abstract Expressionism, Geometric Abstraction, Colour Field Painting, Lyrical Abstraction, and Minimalism to name a few. There is also some standalone genres focused on the human condition such as narrative art and conceptual art.
Each genre provides a framework that guides both the creation and interpretation of art, offering artists a way to align their work with certain themes, traditions, or movements. Understanding art genres helps viewers to recognize patterns, influences, and the context in which an artwork was created, enriching their overall appreciation of the piece.
5. Art Style
An art style in visual arts is a distinct way that a group of artworks is categorised into a distinct style that could be by the same artist, from the same period, from the same school or location or art movement or ancient culture. Sometimes also a single artist over his career can change styles from one to another in distinct groupings. An art style encompasses the techniques, themes, and formal qualities that set a body of work apart from others, providing a recognizable identity. Art styles are often shaped by the cultural, social, and historical context in which they emerge, reflecting the influences and values of the time.
Lets see some of types of styles:
Artist-Specific Styles: Some artists develop a unique, recognizable style that becomes synonymous with their name.
Period-Specific Styles: Art styles are often associated with specific historical periods, where certain visual characteristics dominate.
School or Location-Based Styles: Art styles can also be linked to specific schools or geographic locations where artists shared common approaches or philosophies.
Art Movements Styles: Styles are often defined by broader art movements, where groups of artists collectively explore new ideas and techniques.
Evolution of an Artist's Style: Throughout their career, an artist may explore different styles, evolving their approach as they encounter new influences or personal developments such as Picasso moving through several styles.
Contemporary and Hybrid Styles: In the contemporary art world, styles often blur traditional boundaries, incorporating elements from various movements, cultures, and media.
Art style is a key factor in how artworks are categorized, studied, and appreciated. By identifying and understanding the style of an artwork, viewers can gain insight into the artist's intentions, the cultural and historical context, and the broader trends that influenced the creation of the piece.
6. Art Purpose or Function
Art function or purpose in visual art is a division based on the practical use of the art such as fine art, decorative art, applied art, public art, religious or spiritual art, historical art, commemorative art, commercial art and others. It refers to the classification of artworks based on their intended use, role, or the message they convey within society. Different forms of art serve various purposes, from purely aesthetic enjoyment to practical applications, cultural expression, or communication. Understanding the function of an artwork helps in appreciating not just its visual elements but also its broader impact and significance within a particular context.
Let's briefly list them:
Fine Art: This category includes artworks created primarily for aesthetic purposes, meant to be appreciated for their beauty, emotional impact, or intellectual stimulation. The primary function of fine art is to engage the viewer in a deeper, more personal experience, encouraging reflection, emotion, and contemplation. There can be some commercial return to the artist but it usually doesn't come straight away eg: Van Gogh hardly sold anything before he died. That is very sad that fine art isn't appreciated more and valued enough for fine artists to be compensated. I'm very much in fine art space and struggle to sell anything. Fine art usually requires the most amount of time to create.
Decorative Art: Decorative art combines aesthetic appeal with functional design, often enhancing the beauty of everyday objects. This is often mass produced by some artists for the purpose of decoration and aesthetics of the space they trying to blend it with and often follows ever changing fads. In my opinion, this form of art has been overemphasised in social media and mainstream media. But does it really hold any value growth past the trend periods?
Applied Art: Applied art involves the practical application of artistic principles to the design of objects or environments. This includes fields like graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, and interior design.
Public Art: Public art is created with the intention of being displayed in public spaces, accessible to a broad audience. This includes murals, sculptures, installations, and monuments.
Religious or Spiritual Art: This type of art is created to inspire, teach, or represent spiritual beliefs and practices. Religious art can be found in various forms, including icons, altarpieces, stained glass windows, and sacred architecture.
Historical Art: Historical art aims to depict or commemorate events, figures, or eras from history. This category includes works that document significant moments, such as battles, political events, or cultural milestones.
Commemorative Art: Commemorative art is created to honor or remember individuals, events, or achievements. This can take the form of statues, memorials, plaques, or dedicated spaces like gardens or museums.
Commercial Art: Commercial art is produced primarily for commercial purposes, often aimed at advertising, marketing, or promoting products and services. This includes posters, billboards, packaging design, and media campaigns. It's often mass produced and overemphasised in the world today and often used for evil purposes of the corporations to such you into buying meaningless trinckets.
Political Art: Political art, often overlapping with public art, is created to express political opinions, critique social issues, or advocate for change. This form of art serves as a powerful tool for activism, challenging the status quo, and encouraging public discourse.
Educational Art: Educational art is created with the intent to inform or educate the viewer about a particular subject. This can include scientific illustrations, instructional diagrams, or artworks that explore and explain complex ideas.
Understanding the purpose or function of an artwork provides insight into why it was created and how it fits into a broader cultural or social context. It also helps in appreciating the different roles that art can play, from serving as a tool for communication and education to enriching our daily lives with beauty and meaning.
7. Art Cultural or Regional Context
Cultural and regional content in art is a categorisation based on the cultural differences in different parts of the world. It provides a framework for understanding how different influences shape artistic practices and expressions. It highlights the importance of considering the background and environment of both the artist and the audience when interpreting and appreciating art.
For example African, Asian, Indigenous, Islamic, Latin American, Oceanic, European, and so on. Each of these categories highlights how art is not just an aesthetic endeavor but also a reflection of cultural identity, history, and values.
Here are the aspects of the cultural and regional context:
Historical Influence: The historical background of a region significantly impacts its art. Historical events, such as colonization, trade, and migration, can introduce new materials, techniques, and themes.
Cultural Values and Beliefs: Art often reflects the values, beliefs, and social norms of a culture. This can include religious beliefs, social hierarchies, and communal practices.
Regional Materials and Techniques: The materials and techniques used in art are often influenced by the local environment. Artists use materials that are readily available in their region, which can lead to distinct styles.
Symbolism and Themes: Different cultures use specific symbols and themes in their art to convey meaning. These symbols can be unique to a particular culture and may not be immediately understandable to those outside of it.
Social and Political Context: The social and political environment of a region can influence the content and purpose of art. Art can be a form of political expression, resistance, or commentary on social issues. This context helps to understand why certain themes or styles are prevalent in specific regions.
Cultural Exchange: Interaction between cultures, such as through trade or colonization, can lead to the exchange of artistic styles and techniques. This can result in hybrid art forms that incorporate elements from multiple cultures, enriching the art scene and creating new, blended traditions. Not only the negative side, but also the positive side, the effects of living in a multicultural society like Australia can create community based cultural exchanges among artists and cultures nd some say thats cultural appropriation, but in fact it's the greatest form of flattery for artists of different cultures to be influenced by each other's cultural and regional contexts. What new art movements will spring out of those exchanges.
Conclusion
All of these categorisations and divisions are a way for people to communicate on each artist's work so that it can be quantified and discussed. But personally, I'm not a believer in divisions and I believe that each artist has their "own unique creative stream".
What do I mean by artists own creative stream? When you combine all the "divisions" I mentioned in this blog (because I think they are divisions) you realise each artist is a human on this one earth with their own fabrics of influences and style. We live in a capitalist and measured world with everything highly organised and sorted into meters and centimeters and feet and inches and all that. So when you walk on the road you see an industrialised boring world we now live in.
But imagine a world where artists along with engineers are the standard way of building towns, homes and accentuating the natural world that keeps us alive instead of crowding it out with concrete jungles. A world where money to get this done is not an issue because love is the currency. Where artists become highly valued and encouraged to bring out their true artist's inner self. A world where categorisation of art and artists like a factory processing centre is no longer and we start to focus on art permeating the world and the universe in harmony with it instead of bulldozing it - then we will truly understand what artists own unique creative stream is. Example is what Spain allowed Gaudi to do in Madrid, and it's still a tourist destination till today. Imagine a world where art truly is free and knows no end. I wait for this world where art adds to life worth living.
But nonetheless, we have to use these categorisations and divisions in order to communicate art more effectively with the general public and the wider art community in this data obsessed world and so be it - for now.
As the buyer or art collector, I hope that this blog helps you to understand the different divisions and the way art is sorted and categorised so that it can help you when selecting an artwork of your choice or purchasing it for your home.
Enjoy collecting and exploring art!
Regards,
Michal Plis
Visit michalplis.com
Invitation to purchase my art
I also wanted to mention to you reader that some of my fine art is available for acquisition (purchase). I mostly focus on the final frontier of discovering new types of art - which is abstract. I also have some figurative work to sell if you are interested. I am still working out my style, form, techniques, genre, medium, purpose, and cultural or regional context. Please visit my Purchase page on this website to purchase my art directly from me!
Disclaimer
The text in this blog is of my own research and I have not copied it from anyone but I have use a little bit of assistance from AI - but mostly it's my work. It took me a long time because of my neurodiversity type illness. Please note that this is copyrighted. You need to seek written permission If you want to use any of this.
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