IS THIS ART?
Art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and
imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works
to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Considering this definition, could we classify as art pieces of work such as the Fountain
of Marcel Duchamp, which is a porcelain urinal rotated and signed with the pseudonym
“R. Mutt 1917”?. It is difficult to ignore the utilitarian associations of this object in our
lives. In fact, the Fountain caused much controversy and was finally refused to be
exposed in an art show. Howerver, according to the meaning of art, is not the Fountain
been thought in the most creative, original and authentic way? Does the originality of
this “rude” object not cause an impact on the observers? Undoubtedly the Fountain has
become a piece of art, that has not leave anyone indifferent and has been an influence to
other artists.
Another original work of art is For the Love of God, created by Damien Hirst. The
piece. consisting of a platinum skull covered with diamonds, has surely caused a lot of
impact on its viewers. It is true that a real skull has never been considered a workart to
be exhibited in a museum. However, For the love of God is really classified as art,
especially for its significance and the emotional power it produces: it represents the
essential topics of the human existence such as the life, the death, the immortality, the
love, the truth and the art itself. In reference with what Hirst explained about death
“You don’t like it, so you disguise it or you decorate it to make it look like something
bearable – to such an extent that it becomes something else.” How can we disapprove
this is truly art?
Finally, the graffiti Blu, in Italy is an interpretation of how the army manipulates their
soldiers. Despite the fact that the picture being on a wall on the street can cause some
doubts, it can not be rejected that this impressive work is art. The graffiti carries with it
a strong political criticism, done with a lot of imagination and creativity. The picture
clearly shows how soldiers undergo a brainwashing that prevents them from thinking or
rebeling. It really proves that art also can exist on the streets.
In conclusion, despite they are different from what we are used to see and consider as
art, the Fountain, For the Love of God and Blu, surely are and accomplish the definition
of art. All of them create an impact on the spectators and, in the same way, a truly
aesthetic quality.
