Essay on Art
500 words essay on art.
Each morning we see the sunshine outside and relax while some draw it to feel relaxed. Thus, you see that art is everywhere and anywhere if we look closely. In other words, everything in life is artwork. The essay on art will help us go through the importance of art and its meaning for a better understanding.
What is Art?
For as long as humanity has existed, art has been part of our lives. For many years, people have been creating and enjoying art. It expresses emotions or expression of life. It is one such creation that enables interpretation of any kind.
It is a skill that applies to music, painting, poetry, dance and more. Moreover, nature is no less than art. For instance, if nature creates something unique, it is also art. Artists use their artwork for passing along their feelings.
Thus, art and artists bring value to society and have been doing so throughout history. Art gives us an innovative way to view the world or society around us. Most important thing is that it lets us interpret it on our own individual experiences and associations.
Art is similar to live which has many definitions and examples. What is constant is that art is not perfect or does not revolve around perfection. It is something that continues growing and developing to express emotions, thoughts and human capacities.
Importance of Art
Art comes in many different forms which include audios, visuals and more. Audios comprise songs, music, poems and more whereas visuals include painting, photography, movies and more.
You will notice that we consume a lot of audio art in the form of music, songs and more. It is because they help us to relax our mind. Moreover, it also has the ability to change our mood and brighten it up.
After that, it also motivates us and strengthens our emotions. Poetries are audio arts that help the author express their feelings in writings. We also have music that requires musical instruments to create a piece of art.
Other than that, visual arts help artists communicate with the viewer. It also allows the viewer to interpret the art in their own way. Thus, it invokes a variety of emotions among us. Thus, you see how essential art is for humankind.
Without art, the world would be a dull place. Take the recent pandemic, for example, it was not the sports or news which kept us entertained but the artists. Their work of arts in the form of shows, songs, music and more added meaning to our boring lives.
Therefore, art adds happiness and colours to our lives and save us from the boring monotony of daily life.
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Conclusion of the Essay on Art
All in all, art is universal and can be found everywhere. It is not only for people who exercise work art but for those who consume it. If there were no art, we wouldn’t have been able to see the beauty in things. In other words, art helps us feel relaxed and forget about our problems.
FAQ of Essay on Art
Question 1: How can art help us?
Answer 1: Art can help us in a lot of ways. It can stimulate the release of dopamine in your bodies. This will in turn lower the feelings of depression and increase the feeling of confidence. Moreover, it makes us feel better about ourselves.
Question 2: What is the importance of art?
Answer 2: Art is essential as it covers all the developmental domains in child development. Moreover, it helps in physical development and enhancing gross and motor skills. For example, playing with dough can fine-tune your muscle control in your fingers.
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Art Essay Examples
Art Essay Examples to Get You Inspired - Top 10 Samples
Published on: May 4, 2023
Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024
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Are you struggling to come up with ideas for your art essay? Or are you looking for examples to help guide you in the right direction?
Look no further, as we have got you covered!
In this blog, we provide a range of art writing examples that cover different art forms, time periods, and themes. Whether you're interested in the classics or contemporary art, we have something for everyone. These examples offer insight into how to structure your essay, analyze art pieces, and write compelling arguments.
So, let's explore our collection of art essay examples and take the first step toward becoming a better art writer!
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Good Art Essay Examples
In the following section, we will examine a selection of art essay examples that are inspiring for various academic levels.
College Art Essay Examples
Letâs take a look at college art essay examples below:
The Intersection of Art and Politics: An Analysis of Picasso's Guernica
The Role of Nature in American Art: A Comparative Study
University Art Essay Examples
University-level art essay assignments often differ in length and complexity. Here are two examples:
Gender and Identity in Contemporary Art: A Comparative Study
Art and Activism: The Role of Street Art in Political Movements
A Level Art Essay Examples
Below are some art paper examples A level. Check out:
The Use Of Color In Wassily Kandinsky's Composition Viii
The Influence of African Art on Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles D'avignon
A Level Fine Art Essay Examples
If you're a student of fine arts, these A-level fine arts examples can serve as inspiration for your own work.
The Use Of Texture In Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night
Exploring Identity Through Portraiture: A Comparative Study
Art Essay Examples IELTS
The Impact of Art on Mental Health
The Effects of Technology on Art And Creativity
Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!
AP Art Essay Examples
A Comparison of Neoclassical and Romantic Art
An Examination Of The Effects Of Globalization On Contemporary Art
Types of Art Essay with Examples
Art essays can be categorized into different types. Let's take a brief look at these types with examples:
Art Criticism Essay : A critical essay analyzing and evaluating an artwork, its elements, and its meaning.
The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali: A Critical Analysis
Art History Essay: A comprehensive essay that examines the historical context, development, and significance of an artwork or art movement.
The Renaissance: A Rebirth of Artistic Expression
Exhibition Review: A review of an art exhibition that evaluates the quality and significance of the artwork on display.
A Review of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Exhibition
Contemporary Art Essay: An essay that explores and analyzes contemporary art and its cultural and social context.
The Intersection of Technology and Art in Contemporary Society
Modern Art Essay: An essay that examines modern art and its significance in the development of modernism.
Cubism and its Influence on Modern Art [insert pdf]
Art Theory Essay: An essay that analyzes and critiques various theories and approaches to art.
Feminist Art Theory: A Critical Analysis of its Impact on Contemporary Art [insert pdf]
Additional Art Essay Example
Letâs take a brief look at some added art essay samples:
Artwork Essay Example
Artist Essay Example
Advanced Higher Art Essay Example
Common Art Essay Prompts
Here are some common art essay topics that you may encounter during your coursework:
- Describe a piece of artwork that has inspired you.
- A comparative analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David.
- Analyze the cultural significance of a particular art movement.
- Discuss the relationship between art and politics.
- Compare and contrast two works of art from different time periods or cultures.
- The representation of identity in art
- The Evolution of Artists' Paintings:
- From Traditional to Contemporary Art
- The representation of identity in Frida Kahlo's self-portraits.
- The significance of oil on canvas in the history of art.
- The significance of the Mona Lisa in the Italian Renaissance
Art Essay Topics IELTS
Here are some art essay topics for IELTS students. Take a look:
- The value of art education.
- The role of museums in preserving art and culture.
- The impact of globalization on contemporary art.
- The influence of technology on art and artists.
- The significance of public art in urban environments.
Tips For Writing a Successful Art Essay
Here are some tips for writing a stand-out art essay:
- Develop a clear thesis statement that guides your essay: Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state the main argument of your essay.
- Conduct thorough research and analysis of the artwork you are writing about : This includes examining the visual elements of the artwork, researching the artist, and considering the historical significance.
- Use formal and precise language to discuss the artwork: Avoid using colloquial language and instead focus on using formal language to describe the artwork.
- Include specific examples from the artwork to support your arguments: Use specific details from the artwork to back up your analysis.
- Avoid personal bias and subjective language: Your essay should be objective and avoid using personal opinions or subjective language.
- Consider the historical and cultural context of the artwork: Analyze the artwork in the context of the time period and cultural context in which they were created.
- Edit and proofread your essay carefully before submitting it: Ensure your essay is well-organized, coherent, and free of grammatical errors and typos.
- Use proper citation format when referencing sources: Follow the appropriate citation style guidelines and give credit to all sources used in your essay.
- Be concise and focused in your writing: Stick to your main thesis statement and avoid going off-topic or including irrelevant information.
- Read your essay aloud to ensure clarity and coherence: Reading your essay out loud can help you identify inconsistencies or any other mistakes.
The Bottom Line!
We hope that the art essay examples we've explored have provided you with inspiration for your own essay. Art offers endless possibilities for analysis, and your essay is a chance to showcase your unique opinions.
Use these examples as a guide to craft an essay that reflects your personality while demonstrating your knowledge of the subject.
Short on time? Let CollegeEssay.org help you! All you have to do is to ask our experts, " write college essay for me " and they'll help you secure top grades in college.
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Types of Art – An Exploration of the Different Types of Art
Since prehistoric times, humans have been creating art through forms and mediums. Over the years, as tools and technologies evolved, the concept of what art is has become the subject of intense debate. There are multitudes of opinions and theories on what can be classified as art, however, in this article, we will discuss the top eight forms of art that have shaped the trajectory of art history itself. Keep reading for a thorough overview of these major forms of art!
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Art?
- 2.1 The Art of Painting
- 2.2 The Art of Sculpture
- 2.3 The Art of Installation
- 2.4 The Art of Architecture
- 2.5 The Art of Literature
- 2.6 The Art of Music
- 2.7 The Art of Cinema and Film
- 2.8 The Art of Theater
- 2.9 Exploring Other Art Types
- 3.1 What Is the Definition of Art?
- 3.2 What Is the Importance of Art?
- 3.3 What Are the Eight Different Forms of Art?
- 3.4 What Are the Different Types of Fine Art Forms?
What Is Art?
There are about as many definitions of art as there are people alive. As a widely accepted definition, art is produced when one’s imagination or creativity is used to create something that can be directly experienced through our senses. Although visual art, witnessed through our sense of sight, is the most common form of art, art itself can appeal to other senses, including our auditory and tactile senses.
Most art forms discussed in this article date back thousands of years. From prehistoric cave paintings and figurines found in ancient caves, to the exquisite architecture and sculpture of ancient Greece and Rome, art forms have played a monumental part in personal and public life.
As the different techniques in art evolved, much of the conversation in art circles were concerned with what the word “art” meant.
This central debate is an important factor in the development of personal style within the broader art movements that have emerged over the years, with particular emphasis on the relationship between utility and aesthetics. The most iconic and revolutionary example of an artist who attempted to shift the definition of art and sculpture was Marcel Duchamp, whose unforgettable ready-made sculpture, The Fountain (1917), explicitly challenged conventional meanings of art. Duchamp claimed that a slightly modified urinal deserved to be classified as art and as a sculpture innovated by himself. This is also a prime example of how art has been leveraged as an important medium through which artists can provide political and social commentary.
Art types should not be confused with art genres, which is a different classification system that was developed by the French Royal Academy and includes still life, portrait, and history, among many others. The different types of art should also be distinguished from form in art, which refers to a specific element within an artwork that relates to shape.
Form in art occurs alongside other elements such as texture, color, space, shape, value, line, and color.
Art provides us with a crucial glimpse into history as a means through which we can understand the life of the humans that came before us, and without which the world would be a far less interesting and inspiring place! It provides a doorway into galaxies of possibility for expression and a valuable platform for political and social commentary.
Exploring the Eight Most Important Types of Art
Although there has been much speculation regarding the definition of art over the years, there is a general consensus that there are around eight main kinds of art, most of which have existed for centuries, if not thousands of years. These different types of art encompass painting , sculpture, installation art, architecture, literature, music, cinema, and theater.
The Art of Painting
Painting is one of the oldest types of art that dates as far back as tens of thousands of years and is evident at various cave sites and rock shelters across the world. Famous sites include the Drakensberg in South Africa, the Northern Territory in Australia, and the Lascaux paintings in France, among many other important historical sites. The majority of these cave sites have become important world heritage sites under UNESCO to preserve cultural history and uphold the maintenance and recognition of archaeological sites. To understand painting, one must recognize its historical legacy and use in art.
Painting refers to the application of paint, usually on a two-dimensional surface.
Paint also consists of a pigment combined with a binding agent such as oil, egg, or water and possibly a filler, to make the quantity more substantial. In ancient times, people relied on natural materials such as plants, bones, ochre, and charcoal to paint, but today, artificial coloring is the primary choice for most artists. In modern times, various other additives were included in paint mixtures and their variations to ensure that paint is not only user-friendly and convenient, but also environmentally safe.
When it comes to the application of paint, the sky’s the limit. Paint brushes, your own fingers, spray cans, or sponges can be used to engage in painting. As new techniques and styles emerged, painting became an institution in its own right, inspiring study, analysis, and debate. Paintings can be classified into one or several of many art movements that are characterized in terms of the underlying philosophy that determined the style, content, and subject matter of the paintings, as well as their temporal location in terms of their relationship to previous art movements.
Well-known art movements that started in Europe include Impressionism (1867-1886), Surrealism (1924-1966), and Expressionism 1905-1920).
Different cultures all over the world developed different styles, including styles defined by the Pop Art movement in the USA during the mid-20th century. There are numerous famous painters who could easily be named as the most significant painters, however, some of the most prominent figures include Impressionists like Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt, as well as Surrealists like Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) and pioneers of Abstract Expressionism such as Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). Many consider abstract painting to be one of the most influential types of painting that can employ a variety of art forms and mediums to convey abstract visuals and themes.
Some of the most prominent art movements and styles emerged from movements inspired by Cubism and Realism in the 20th century, as well as notable Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Cubists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque . It is important to also recognize that painting can encompass other fine art forms such as collage, which includes the arrangements of objects to create visual narratives as an element of painting or assemblage. Collage can thus be used to elevate painting or be fused with sculpture to create assemblages.
The Art of Sculpture
Sculpture is another ancient art form that dates back to some of the earliest civilizations on Earth. Unlike painting, this form of art involves the creation of art in the three dimensions. The type of material used can be either natural or artificial, and can range from materials such as clay, metal, bronze, marble, and wood to objects that artists come across in their everyday lives.
Different processes can be used to create a sculpture, including modeling, casting, assembling, and carving.
Sculptures can be free-standing , independent forms, or they can be produced in relief, where the form emerges from a background. An example of a free-standing sculpture is Christ the Redeemer (1931) in Rio de Janeiro by Paul Landowski. One might also equate the origins of true sculpture to the master works of High Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo, whose work had a tremendous impact on Western sculpture.
Mount Rushmore, which was constructed between 1927 and 1941, is a colossal demonstration of a sculpture executed in relief, as well as the elaborate forms carved into the temple complex at Khajuraho in India. Sculptures can also include other forms of art, especially painting, as a form of decoration or embellishment.
Figurines and larger examples of sculptures from the ancient world have been found in various locations around the world. Such sculptures often demonstrated a spiritual or religious function.
The ancient Greeks and Romans were also known for their exceptional sculptures with the most notable example being The Orator and Head of a Roman Patrician , both of which were created in the 1st century BCE. The Statue of Liberty (1886) is a modern example of sculpture that has become world famous.
The Art of Installation
In addition to sculpture, artists can also explore the world of installation art, which relies on a variety of media to provide an immersive and enhanced experience of art. Installation art is often connected to sculpture and performance art, which involve artists arranging objects and artworks in a site-specific space to ensure that the message of the artwork is received and understood.
Installation art can also be understood as large-scale works that encompass mixed media and is usually set up for a set duration in a particular location.
Installation art provides a more sensory experience for viewers and engages with the temporality of the artwork and its conceptual occupation of space. Among the most popular installation artists include figures like Yayoi Kusama, Doris Salcedo, Kurt Schwitters, Kara Walker, and Damien Hirst.
The Art of Architecture
People often identify architecture as going back to the very first structures that people built as places of human residence and protection. If we are to define architecture in this way, we can think of the teepee in America or the yurt in Mongolia.
Some architecture has a distinct aesthetic quality though and the relationship between utility and beauty is sometimes central in architectural design.
Famous examples of architecture that blurs the boundaries between utility and art include the pyramids in Egypt, the Colosseum (70 CE) in Rome, and the magnificent Taj Mahal (1648) in India. Each of these unique structures possess their own story, which continues to capture our hearts and remind us of earlier times in the collective history of architecture and art that reflect the beautiful, and sometimes darker aspects of what it means to be human.
Some of the extraordinary modern-day architectural marvels include the Leaning Tower of Pisa (1173-1372) in Italy, the Eiffel Tower (1887) in France, and the Sydney Opera House (1973) in Sydney, Australia. Other contemporary buildings that were built into existence and have shaped the way we see buildings include the Louvre (1793), the Glass House (1949-1995), and the Guggenheim Museum (1959). Like other kinds of art, architecture also has various styles that reflect certain characteristics and design principles mimicked in art. Some of the most well-known styles of architecture include:
- Classical architecture
- Renaissance architecture
- Gothic architecture
- Baroque architecture
- Neoclassical architecture
- Bauhaus architecture
- Victorian architecture
- Modern architecture
- Post-modern architecture
The Art of Literature
The word “literature” is derived from the Latin word literatura , which translates to “letters” in English and refers to the written word in particular. Language is a powerful and symbolic way of communicating and writing is no exception. The earliest texts date back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia, although it is thought that writing developed independently on different continents.
The first piece of literature with an identifiable author was a collection of prayers written by the priestess Ur in Sumeria, Mesopotamia.
Across multiple cultures and civilizations, people fused their own technologies and resources to create new types of literature and texts that borrowed materials from the natural environment. For example, hieroglyphics were written on stone tablets and papyrus (handmade paper made from plants grown in water). In Sumeria, evidence of the first writer was discovered around 1595 BCE and reflected that the writing from Sumerian culture was executed using wet clay to communicate across long distances. This proved useful when cities began flourishing and trade activities increased.
Words are the medium the writer manipulates in creative ways to stimulate an emotional response in readers.
Literature includes poetry, articles, novels, plays, folklore, myths, and legends, as well as other forms of writing. It is most often divided into various genres, similar to art. The history of literature is teeming with literary giants and their works of art, and it is therefore impossible to pinpoint the most influential or the best without resorting to subjective opinion. Libraries have kept millions of books around the world since ancient times. Today, there is a growing industry in electronic text, books, and the storage of data. While digital formats for literature have become a staple mode of access in the 21st century, some of the world’s most significant authors include Cicero, Horace, Virgil, and Ovid among the giants of Latin literature, as well as creative writers such as Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, and George Orwell. Prominent authors who received global recognition for their contribution to world literature include figures like Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, Franz Kafka, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Alexandre Dumas, and Gabriel García Márquez.
The Art of Music
Music is created when there is an organization of sounds, as vibrations, that are put together to form an audible composition. Elements of a musical composition include harmony, timbre, melody, and rhythm. Although the presence of music in ancient civilization is harder to trace than visual art, traces of musical instruments have been found that are thousands of years old.
Music and sound created by voice or instruments (or both) have played an important role in various cultures across the globe, making it a universal art form.
Similar to paint, early instruments were made from a variety of natural resources that communities found within their vicinity, while today, a vast selection of ready-made instruments are available for musicians. These instruments are further classified into three groups: string (violin and guitar), percussion (cymbals and drums), and wind (flute and saxophone) instruments.
Originally, music was confined to its community or environment but thanks to modern developments in technology, music can be produced in different places in the world and distributed widely to enable more accessible to people in distant locations. Additionally, there is also a wide variety of genres to enjoy, including folk, funk, blues, hip-hop, pop, rock, electronic, gospel, country, and indie to name a few.
The Art of Cinema and Film
Relative to the other art types discussed in this article, cinema is a fairly recent form of art. Instead of attributing the development of cinema to one inventor, many great minds contributed to the entrance of cinema as an art form and an appreciated invention of our time.
Cinema first took the form of a “kinetoscope” in 1893, which enabled only a single person to view the motion picture at a time. The first public show debuted in 1895 in Paris.
Early films were not produced as we know of today and neither was the context in which they were broadcast. Visual images on screen lasted only a few minutes and some of the content included comedy skits, news, and pictures of lands beyond the borders. Unlike cinema today, there was often much participation from the audience.
The progression of cinema into the immensely popular and accessible format we know of today occurred within the space of a little over 100 years. Below are the major events that took place that made cinema more attractive to the public:
- 1891: Prototype of kinetoscope by the Edison Company
- 1893: The kinetoscope made its first public appearance
- 1895: Public audience by the Lumière brothers using their Cinématographe
- 1909: Color was introduced
At the turn of the century, much was afoot in the industry of cinema with many new film industries emerging, especially in Europe and Russia. The first few films to emerge did not have sound but by the 1930s, most movies had sound.
Since then, the attendance rate for cinema lovers has grown exponentially, with a movement in the last few decades toward an increase in film accessibility in private spaces.
The Art of Theater
Theater is a performance art that usually includes a visual element that has been used for entertainment purposes for thousands of years. One of the most famous locations, central to bringing Romans together for entertainment, was the Colosseum, which is now in ruins and was once a symbol of the flourishing Roman Empire. Indeed, Rome in the 6th century BCE was seen as the earliest example of theater in the Western world.
Long before oral storytelling, voice, sounds, and gestures were used to transmit important information from one generation to another, before written language was invented. Evidence for visual storytelling goes back tens of thousands of years but it is widely accepted that storytelling through sound, song, dance, and diagrams formed an integral medium through which traditions were passed down and retained. Theater is a unique form of art in the sense that it can combine several different forms of art in one theater production. A variety of artists can be involved in the range of complex elements that may be involved in a theater production, including costume and stage designers, musicians, actors, and writers.
Theater also encompasses several other sub-categories such as puppetry, dance, circus entertainment, magic performances, and plays.
The history of theater is rich and alive with the spectrum of human emotion that we have all experienced when witnessing the stories embodied in performance. Genres seen in theater performances vary as in art and include genres such as tragedy, comedy, romance, musicals, and drama. Some famous modern-day theater productions include Lord of the Dance and The Lion King which were started in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
Exploring Other Art Types
In this article, we have explored the eight major types of art that have permeated the boundaries of space and time, and infiltrated our conceptions of temporality to embody an enduring creative spirit that is the heartbeat of human life. Contemporary art has taken on new faces and forms that also include the art of fashion, digital art, graphic design, and photography, which are equally as significant as these top eight art forms.
The thread of creativity, expressed in the form of theatre, music, painting, sculpture, installation, architecture, cinema, and literature has continued to evolve and shape the discourse of art as we know it. Art continues to bring color and life into an ever-changing world in a way that not only stimulates an intellectual response but also touches our hearts.
Take a look at our different types of art webstory here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of art.
Since humans started producing art thousands of years ago, the meaning of the term has become a topic of debate. The common element in all definitions of the word “art” is an element of creativity in the production of something that is accessible to the human senses or experience. Typically, art is visual and executed in the forms of painting, drawing, or photography, but it can appeal to other senses as well. Art combines the dimensions of functionality and aesthetics.
What Is the Importance of Art?
Art allows for creative expression and can bring beauty into built environments. It is also a medium through which socio-political commentary and criticism can be communicated. Art in all its forms gives us insight into the social and cultural history of humanity and can bring people together in a community that is based on mutual enjoyment and creativity.
What Are the Eight Different Forms of Art?
There are many ways of categorizing different art forms, most people agree that sculpture, installation, architecture, literature, theatre, cinema, painting, and music are the eight primary art forms. Other important art forms that should also be taken into account include photography, digital art, and fashion.
What Are the Different Types of Fine Art Forms?
According to art history, there are five main types of art forms in fine art. These include painting, sculpture, poetry, architecture, and music. Literature can also encompass poetry, prose, drama, and fiction, which can also be incorporated into fine art.
Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.
Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20 th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.
Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team .
Cite this Article
Isabella, Meyer, “Types of Art – An Exploration of the Different Types of Art.” Art in Context. November 4, 2021. URL: https://artincontext.org/types-of-art/
Meyer, I. (2021, 4 November). Types of Art – An Exploration of the Different Types of Art. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/types-of-art/
Meyer, Isabella. “Types of Art – An Exploration of the Different Types of Art.” Art in Context , November 4, 2021. https://artincontext.org/types-of-art/ .
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Isabella Meyer’s article is like a cool trip through time, talking about different kinds of art, from old cave paintings to today’s movies. She explains what art is and why it’s important, mentioning famous artists and their groundbreaking works. Meyer also tells us how art connects us to the past and keeps evolving with new styles. It’s like a fun guide to understanding and appreciating the awesome world of art!
a good definition of art in the movie: “awakening some emotions” … “and each of them is right”.
The exploration of different types of art is always a fascinating journey. One remarkable thing about this topic is the endless diversity it encompasses. From traditional painting and sculpture to digital art and performance art, the variety is truly awe-inspiring.
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The Most Famous Artists and Artworks
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MOST FAMOUS ARTISTS AND ARTWORKS
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Essays About Art: Top 5 Examples and 9 Prompts
Essays about art inspire beauty and creativity; see our top essay picks and prompts to aid you.
Art is an umbrella term for various activities that use human imagination and talents.
The products from these activities incite powerful feelings as artists convey their ideas, expertise, and experience through art. Examples of art include painting, sculpture, photography, literature, installations, dance, and music.
Art is also a significant part of human history. We learn a lot from the arts regarding what living in a period is like, what events influenced the elements in the artwork, and what led to art’s progress to today.
To help you create an excellent essay about art, we prepared five examples that you can look at:
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | ||
| ProWritingAid |
1. Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? by Linda Nochlin
2. what is art by writer faith, 3. my art taught me… by christine nishiyama, 4. animals and art by ron padgett, 5. the value of art by anonymous on arthistoryproject.com, 1. art that i won’t forget, 2. unconventional arts, 3. art: past and present, 4. my life as an artist, 5. art histories of different cultures, 6. comparing two art pieces, 7. create a reflection essay on a work of art, 8. conduct a visual analysis of an artwork, 9. art period or artist history.
“But in actuality, as we all know, things as they are and as they have been, in the arts as in a hundred other areas, are stultifying, oppressive, and discouraging to all those, women among them, who did not have the good fortune to be born white, preferably middle class, and above all, male. The fault lies not in our stars, our hormones, our menstrual cycles, or our empty internal spaces, but in our institutions and our education–education understood to include everything that happens to us from the moment we enter this world…”
Nochlin goes in-depth to point out women’s part in art history. She focuses on unjust opportunities presented to women compared to their male peers, labeling it the “Woman Problem.” This problem demands a reinterpretation of the situation’s nature and the need for radical change. She persuades women to see themselves as equal subjects deserving of comparable achievements men receive.
Throughout her essay, she delves into the institutional barriers that prevented women from reaching the heights of famous male art icons.
“Art is the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects that can be shared with others. It involves the arranging of elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions and acts as a means of communication with the viewer as it represents the thoughts of the artist.”
The author defines art as a medium to connect with others and an action. She focuses on Jamaican art and the feelings it invokes. She introduces Osmond Watson, whose philosophy includes uplifting the masses and making people aware of their beauty – he explains one of his works, “Peace and Love.”
“But I’ve felt this way before, especially with my art. And my experience with artmaking has taught me how to get through periods of struggle. My art has taught me to accept where I am today… My art has taught me that whatever marks I make on the page are good enough… My art has taught me that the way through struggle is to acknowledge, accept and share my struggle.”
Nishiyama starts her essay by describing how writing makes her feel. She feels pressured to create something “great” after her maternity leave, causing her to struggle. She says she pens essays to process her experiences as an artist and human, learning alongside the reader. She ends her piece by acknowledging her feelings and using her art to accept them.
“I was saying that sometimes I feel sorry for wild animals, out there in the dark, looking for something to eat while in fear of being eaten. And they have no ballet companies or art museums. Animals of course are not aware of their lack of cultural activities, and therefore do not regret their absence.”
Padgett recounts telling his wife how he thinks it’s unfortunate for animals not to have cultural activities, therefore, can’t appreciate art. He shares the genetic mapping of humans being 99% chimpanzees and is curious about the 1% that makes him human and lets him treasure art. His essay piques readers’ minds, making them interested in how art elevates human life through summoning admiration from lines and colors.
“One of the first questions raised when talking about art is simple — why should we care? Art, especially in the contemporary era, is easy to dismiss as a selfish pastime for people who have too much time on their hands. Creating art doesn’t cure disease, build roads, or feed the poor.”
Because art can easily be dismissed as a pastime, the author lists why it’s precious. It includes exercising creativity, materials used, historical connection, and religious value.
Check out our best essay checkers to ensure you have a top-notch essay.
9 Prompts on Essays About Art
After knowing more about art, below are easy prompts you can use for your art essay:
Is there an art piece that caught your attention because of its origin? First, talk about it and briefly summarize its backstory in your essay. Then, explain why it’s something that made an impact on you. For example, you can write about the Mona Lisa and her mysterious smile – or is she smiling? You can also put theories on what could have happened while Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.
Rather than focusing on mainstream arts like ballet and painting, focus your essay on unconventional art or something that defies usual pieces, such as avant-garde art. Then, share what you think of this type of art and measure it against other mediums.
How did art change over the centuries? Explain the differences between ancient and modern art and include the factors that resulted in these changes.
Are you an artist? Share your creative process and objectives if you draw, sing, dance, etc. How do you plan to be better at your craft? What is your ultimate goal?
To do this prompt, pick two countries or cultures with contrasting art styles. A great example is Chinese versus European arts. Center your essay on a category, such as landscape paintings. Tell your readers the different elements these cultures consider. What is the basis of their art? What influences their art during that specific period?
Like the previous prompt, write an essay about similar pieces, such as books, folktales, or paintings. You can also compare original and remake versions of movies, broadway musicals, etc.
Pick a piece you want to know more about, then share what you learned through your essay. What did the art make you feel? If you followed creating art, like pottery, write about the step-by-step process, from clay to glazing.
Visual analysis is a way to understand art centered around what the eyes can process. It includes elements like texture, color, line, and scale. For this prompt, find a painting or statue and describe what you see in your essay.
Since art is a broad topic, you can narrow your research by choosing only the most significant moments in art history. For instance, if you pick English art, you can divide each art period by century or by a king’s ruling time. You can also select an artist and discuss their pieces, their art’s backstory, and how it relates to their life at the time.
If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !
Categorizing Art Can we make sense of it all?
We've already discussed the philosophical wars waged around the definitions of art , but here is another sticky problem: how do we categorize different types of art? Once again, there are many solutions to this slippery problem, so let’s jump in. One of the broadest and simplest taxonomies breaks artwork into three categories:
- Literature: poetry, drama, prose
- Performing arts: theater, dance, music
- Visual arts: painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, etc.
This is a useful place to start, with huge swaths of art history neatly bucketed. But there are outliers aplenty. Let’s take a look at a few questions about what is or isn't art, and where these outliers might live.
What about art that spans categories?
Some art forms combine elements from multiple categories. Film, for instance, includes set and costume design, performance, and cinematography. A graphic novel is both literature and visual art. These category-busters are often placed into a fourth category: Multidisciplinary Art . Because they blur the lines between traditional art categories, multidisciplinary arts have often struggled to gain acceptance in the art world. Comics & graphic novels were largely dismissed as pop culture detritus until Art Spiegelman used the format to illustrate his father’s experiences of the Holocaust in Maus. Video games also struggled for recognition, only gaining ‘art status’ within the last dozen years, first in 2006 in France, when the Minister of Culture officially named video games “a form of artistic expression,” and informally in the United States, when the National Endowment for the Arts began accepting proposals for ‘interactive games’ in in 2011. As far as we're concerned, art’s categories should be a tool for understanding art, not for excluding it.
Is Graphic Design Art?
Designers love to argue whether the practice of graphic design, i.e. creating advertisements, packaging, online experiences, etc, is art. There’s no absolute answer, but let’s consider one definition of an artwork: “a human-made, culturally resonant artifact.” By this measure, graphic-design can certainly be art! On the condition that it resonates with the culture of its day rather than pollutes it. Does the graphic object make commentary on its society? Does it evoke emotion from a viewer? Does it encapsulate the values of its era? Of course, design also has a job to do. It has to facilitate a transaction or stimulate brand loyalty. So bad design could be good art, and good design could be bad art, but if you're willing to accept a definition of art based on cultural resonance, many artifacts of design can be considered part of the visual arts, and described more specifically as Graphic Arts, or Commercial Arts, which is neatly self-explanatory.
Are ancient artifacts art?
The aesthetic philosopher George Dickie claimed that an object becomes an artifact when it’s claimed by a human. So driftwood on the beach is a natural object, but driftwood mounted above the family fireplace is an artifact. In a counter argument, Daniel Devereux, professor of Ancient Philosophy, claims that an object becomes an artifact when a human makes a meaningful change to its natural state, say, carving their name in the driftwood. Both positions hold merit, but when does an artifact become an artwork?
This question is particularly meaningful for ancient objects, or objects created by non-western cultures who have perseverated less about the nature of art vs craft vs nature. For example, is a simple, unadorned clay vessel created by a stone age culture an artwork, or is it a functional element of their society? What about one of the beautiful, geometrically patterned Lapita clay vessels? In our view, both may be artwork, or not. To decide, we have to look again at that illusive attribute of artwork: cultural resonance. Does the artifact capture some important aspect of the culture it came from? A simple clay pot might be art if it represents an intentional minimalism that was valued by its creators. In the same way, a Nkisi was a type of religious object in the Kingdom of Kongo. Their creators were skillful craftsmen, but we don't know Nkisi were considered ‘artwork.’ However, when we view Nkisi as a way to understand and appreciate the culture of the Kongo, we're looking at them as both an artifact and as art, and great art at that. The definition of art changes through history, and in time artifacts may become artwork. Imagine a few millennia from today, when there’s only a single Coke can left on planet earth. Will that be art? You bet it will.
Reed Enger, "Categorizing Art, Can we make sense of it all?," in Obelisk Art History , Published August 29, 2019; last modified November 08, 2022, http://www.arthistoryproject.com/essays/categories-of-art/.
Introduction to Art
30,000 years of human creativity
Defining ‘Art’
Advanced Composition Techniques
Let's get mathematical
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