The Definition of Art

The video opens by questioning established definitions of art, highlighting a quote by Ambrose Bierce: “Art, n. This word has no definition.” It criticizes common dictionary definitions for being too restrictive or watered down, pointing out how an Oxford definition fails to account for art by non-human animals or art not appreciated for beauty or emotional power.

The discussion moves to historical perspectives. While Seneca's view of art as an 'imitation of nature' is deemed too narrow for contemporary art, Aristotle's idea that 'Art completes what nature cannot bring to a finish' is favored. This perspective emphasizes art's role in extending and building upon natural forms rather than merely reproducing them, showcasing examples like Nam June Paik's 'Magnet TV'.

Paul Klee's statement, 'Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible,' is introduced, followed by Bertolt Brecht's 'Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.' This section explores art's capacity to create new realities and transport both the artist and the audience, as articulated by Chinua Achebe and Twyla Tharp who described art as 'the only way to run away without leaving home'.

The video emphasizes art as a means of exchange and communication. John Dewey's view of art as 'the most effective mode of communications' and James Turrell's 'Art is a completed pass. You don’t just throw it out into the world--someone has to catch it' illustrate this. The idea that art allows us to step into others' perspectives and discover ourselves is supported by quotes from Thomas Merton and Louise Bourgeois.

The Latin aphorism 'Ars longa, vita brevis' (Art is long, life is short) is discussed, highlighting art's ability to outlast its creator. Kerry James Marshall's aim for his art to have an 'indispensable presence' and Gerhard Richter's description of art as 'the highest form of hope' are presented. William Faulkner's notion of art 'arresting motion' and making life 'move again' for future generations underscores the power of art to connect across time and affirm shared humanity.

Art is then presented as essential sustenance and a powerful form of expression. Sarah Sze and Dorothea Tanning (who called art 'the raft on to which we climb to save our sanity') are quoted. The section also covers art as catharsis, ranging from Henry Ward Beecher's gentle 'painting his own nature' to Georg Baselitz's more visceral 'eruption', and Edvard Munch's view of art growing 'out of grief and joy, but mainly grief'.

The discussion expands to include art as the articulation of ideas, even non-emotional ones, referencing Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Beuys's idea that 'Even the act of peeling a potato can be a work of art if it is a conscious act.' Conceptual art is highlighted with Sol LeWitt's perspective that 'Ideas alone can be works of art.' The inherent challenge and risk in art, as noted by Francis Ford Coppola, are also explored, alongside its powerful ability to shape consciousness and convey truth, as expressed by Picasso and Wangechi Mutu.

The video concludes by asserting that art is a perpetually changing, 'slippery and flexible' concept, as stated by Elbert Hubbard: 'Art is not a thing, it is a way.' Marcel Duchamp's definition of art as 'the gap' or 'missing link' is celebrated as the space where magic happens. Ultimately, the video argues against a singular definition, advocating for an open, evolving concept that accommodates individual interpretations and encourages new artistic directions, reminding viewers that 'Art is a habit-forming drug'.