Art Theory

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that to fully enjoy a work of art, the viewer should enjoy it and experience it, rather than attempt to fill it with vague meaning, symbolism and theory. The paper strongly believes that art
theory challenges creativity and inhibits the enjoyment of the piece. The paper does hold that theory can guide the artist, but it should never overpower the artwork or the creation of that artwork.

From the Paper:

"There are two main theories of art used throughout the art world - the cognitive theory and the expression theory. The expression theory holds that art communicates feelings and emotions to the viewer, and that is the artist's job, to convey these meanings to the viewer (Freeland 2003, p. 104). The cognitive theory holds that art plays a role in our lives, and that it imparts knowledge to the viewer (Freeland 2003, p. 112). These two theories indicate how rigid the theory of art can be, and how it can never be the same for two people, or even two critics. In fact, some critics are now arguing that art theory is "dead," at least in part because it has worn out, and is no longer viable in today's art world (Rosenstein, 2002). Others comment on how theories change over time, and become archaic and outmoded when artists follow them too closely or religiously (Hertel 2003). Thus, theories can bind the artist and the viewer, and for many, art theory needs to die so that true, expressive and creative art can live."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Freeland, C. 2003, Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.
• Hertel, C. 2003, 'Ivan Gaskell: Vermeer's Wager Speculations on Art History, Theory and Art Museums', The Art Bulletin, 85(3), 611+.
• Irvine, M. 2008, 'Art Theory Concepts', Georgetown University [Online] Available at: http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/visualarts/art-theory-intro.html.
• Murray, D. C., & Murray, S. 2006, 'Uneasy Bedfellows: Canonical Art Theory and the Politics of Identity', Art Journal, 65(1), 22+.
• Panero, J. 2005, 'Criticism after Art', New Criterion, 24, 16+.

More papers on Art Theory:

• Analytical Essay # 112556 : "Art Theory"
• Book Review # 109295 : "Art Theory and "The Abuse of Beauty"
• Analytical Essay # 139952 : "John Dewey's "Art as Experience"

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