This document discusses various perspectives on defining art. It presents definitions of art from several philosophers and scholars, including views that art is the enjoyment of forms, an object meant to be experienced aesthetically, expression rather than intention, and a product of creative human activity used to convey ideas or emotions. The definitions show that there are many ways to conceptualize art and that it has been defined in both narrow and broad terms focusing on elements such as skill, aesthetics, expression, and truth.

1. The Nature of Art
ARTS1 Module 1
Mid-year Term
Prof. Fara Manuel-Nolasco

2. Learning Objectives
• After working on this module, you should be able to:
• Discuss the different concepts in defining art from various perspectives;
• Examine the relevance of art from an individual to a societal standpoint.

3. Definitions of Art
• Art is an attempt to create pleasing forms.
(Herbert Read)
• Art is the enjoyment of forms.
(Ernst Cassirer)

4. Definitions of Art
• Art is a man-made object demanding to be experienced aesthetically. (Erwin Panofsky)
• Art is expression; it is not intention or talent. (Bernedetto Croce)
• Art is the skilled performance or distinctive ability in any activity whatsoever.
(James Jarrett)

5. Definitions of Art
• Art is the power to produce a preconceived result by means of consciously
controlled and directed action. (classic definition derived from ancient
Roman and Greek concepts)
• Art molds our actual life of feeling; by giving form to the world it articulates
human nature, sensibility energy, passion and mortality. (Suzanne Langer)

6. Definitions of Art
• Art is any embellishment of ordinary living that is achieved with competence
and has describable form. (Melville Herskovits)
• Art is the product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped
or selected convey an idea, emotion or visually interesting form. – Encarta
Encyclopedia
• Art… is the becoming and happening of truth. – Heidegger (1960)

7. Definitions of Art
• Art is any embellishment of ordinary living that is achieved with competence
and has describable form. (Melville Herskovits)
• Art is the product of creative human activity in which materials are shaped
or selected convey an idea, emotion or visually interesting form. – Encarta
Encyclopedia
• Art… is the becoming and happening of truth. – Heidegger (1960)