Paragraph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Paragraph - Essay Example As such, an art made in the past may impart a meaning different from what it was originally intended for at the time of its creation. Given that art takes several forms, for the purpose of clarity, this paper would deal with fine arts, an idea believed to have been conceptualized in the 18th century (Lamarque & Olsen 44). Over the past two hundred years, several changes have taken place in the creation of art. In Asia, which is endowed with rich culture, prehistoric art is largely symbolic in nature. But then in the next two hundred years, its art is transformed into something admirable not for its symbolic character but for the elaborate techniques used. For instance, ancient Japanese art of brush painting is largely influenced by â€Å"traditions, legends and lives of Japanese people† (Renowned Artist Gallery). A renowned painter Katsushika Hokusai used free curves which were turned into spirals in an attempt to capture the desired themes. Come 19th century, as trade flouris h between Asia and the West, art has become commercialized, veering away from its original purpose of reflecting cultures and symbols. To further illustrate, Chinese works of art are characterized by abundance of flower details and other elements of environment in the goal of portraying the wonders of nature. However, what caught the attention of Europeans involved in trade are the blue and white ceramics of China; hence, the increase in the creation of this craft. Because of commercialization, Chinese arts are transformed into something that would fulfill the demands of trade. Given the abovementioned examples, it can be said that contemporary art can be distinguished from the ancient art in terms of the emphasis given by modern artists to the aesthetic features rather than on the ideas (Sipe). It is important to focus on aesthetic because this attracts trade – the symbolic meaning is not very significant. But then again, the concept of aesthetic has also evolved. Contempora ry art recognizes the independence of the work from the artist. The art has become a separate entity from the experiences of its creator (Clowney). When one appreciates an art, regardless of whether it was created to impart a deeper concept, that piece was able to relate to the viewer. Perhaps, the person finds the art beautiful not necessarily because of the message it expresses but because the technical feature of the art is already appealing in itself. In the turn of 20th century, the concept of art has further changed to the point that aesthetics has been separated from art (Clowney). This implies that anything can be considered as an art even if it does not appeal to the senses of the viewer. This is best illustrated by contemporary artists like Marcel Duchamp, who signed an ordinary porcelain urinal with his pseudonym and presented it as his art. It does not express philosophical meaning just like what traditional art is known for and it does not impart beauty either as this i s just a staple feature of male rest rooms. Yet Duchamp’s work amuses the viewers. It is entertaining enough to catch attention. In this present time, it is already considered art. The same goes for Bruce Nauman, who veered away from the use of canvass and other typical medium of art. He used his body to portray a fountain. Again, it is entertaining. It carries a certain appeal that does not require in depth thinking. What is seen is what it is. Both Duchamp and Nauman