What makes art?
If I spill paint on a canvas by accident is it art? What about if I paint something that looks exactly the same as a splash of paint?
Some philosophers believe that our need for the arts is what makes us human, and separates us from animals. But if we don’t know what art is how can that be true?
A bird can make it’s nest look nice with coloured feathers and stones in order to attract mates, and a monkey when given paints can make a picture that it thinks looks good. Is that art? Something that looks good?
Someone I know commented on modern art, people seem to be able to disagree with it more than they appreciate it, to me that’s what makes it art. It affects people. Although monkeys and birds can’t debate the finer points of surrealism they know when something looks good.
But what I think is art is different to what you think, does this mean we are different kinds of human?
Maybe art has nothing to do with it at all.
What about reading? We’re the only species that does that. And music canmonkeys play the piano if we teach them?
Louisa xx
WANTED- One pet monkey must be good with acrylics and appreciate DalĂ. Bonus points for grade 5 piano and above.
