The word “Art” brings to mind all types of amazing images and ideas. Some references to art are even as far back in time as ancient civilizations. But what does art really mean?
Throughout the centuries, many different types of art have evolved and been developed. This article will explore the meaning of art, and discuss 20 types of art, in hopes of giving a better understanding of the subject.
1. Definition of Art
Art, as defined by Oxford Dictionary, means “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as a painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. ” This can be broken down into two categories: fine art and applied art. Fine art includes paintings, sculptures, or sketches created with the main intention of evoking emotions such as joy, sadness, fear, or even surprise.
Applied art, on the other hand, includes functional objects such as ceramics, furniture, or jewelry, created mainly with the purpose of being used or admired. Ultimately, anything can be art if the intention of the creator is focused on conveying something or expressing an emotion.
2. Painting
Painting is one of the oldest and most widespread forms of art. From classical Renaissance paintings, to modern abstract art, painters have expressed all sorts of concepts, ideas, emotions, and more onto a medium, usually canvas. Painting requires its own set of skills and techniques, from mixing and blending colors, to creating a sense of perspective and movement.
Currently, there are several different painting techniques that artists have employed. Oil painting, for example, is usually favored for its vivid colors and ability to distort images and create texture.
Acrylic painting is favored for its quick drying time and versatility with mixing colors. Watercolor painting is favored for its vibrant colors and ability to create a dreamy and surreal atmosphere.
3. Printmaking
Printmaking is a creative way of producing artworks in multiple copies. This is done by incising a design onto a wooden or metal matrix before coating it with ink and pressing it onto paper or fabric. There are a few different types of printmaking methods, the most common ones being relief prints, intaglio prints, lithography, and screen printing.
Relief prints are created when the artist removes parts of the matrix from what he or she does not want printed. Intaglio prints are created when the artist cuts into the surface of a metal or soft matrix.
With lithography, the artist creates an image onto a flat surface, using a chemical process. Lastly, screen printing utilizes a mesh stencil to create an image onto a surface.
4. Photography
Photography is one of the most popular art forms today. It allows people to express their own vision of the world through the lens of a camera.
It is a practice of capturing images, transforming them into something people recognize and appreciate, and telling stories through creative compositions, lighting, and angle. Photographing is both a science, as it involves understanding how light interacts with the camera, and an art, as it involves the manipulation of all elements within the frame to create a compelling image. It is all about capturing the world around us and immortalizing it in a single frame.
5. Sculpture
Sculpture is an art form that involves creating three-dimensional artwork from a variety of media, ranging from traditional materials like clay, stone, and wood, to more modern materials like plastic and metal. Sculpting is a creative way of expressing feelings and emotions while exploring the human form and shape. Sculptors are able to bring the inanimate to life, and are often inspired by mythological stories, historical figures, and nature.
Some popular sculpture techniques include carving and assembling. Carving involves chipping away pieces of stone or wood to achieve the desired shape.
Assembling involves connecting various pieces of wood, clay, stone, or other materials to create a figure or structure.
6. Printmaking
Printmaking is an art form that employs the use of relief and intaglio printing techniques to create works of art. Relief printmaking involves the artist carving away unwanted parts of the matrix, while intaglio printing involves the artist cutting into the surface of the matrix. Both methods produces an impression on paper or fabric after dipping the matrix in ink.
Many famous painters have also employed printmaking techniques to produce series of prints, often of their famous paintings. Rembrandt van Rijn, for example, used intaglio prints to produce works of his paintings, such as “The Night Watch”.
7. Installation Art
Installation art is an art form that originated in the late 1950s. It combines various elements, ranging from video and performance art, to architecture and sculpture, to create a space that evokes an idea or emotion with the purpose of provoking a response from those who experience it.
Installation art often combines various materials such as wood, metal, fabric, and clay in order to create an immersive and interactive environment. The key aim of installation art is to engage its audience in a meaningful and thought-provoking way.
8. Video Art
Video art is a form of art that relies on audio-visual technology to create a moving image. It often combines elements of photography, performance art, sculpture, and installation art, to create a multi-sensory variant of more traditional forms of art. Video art emerged alongside the popularity of television and the growth of the internet, and it is commonly seen in galleries, museums, and other public spaces.
Video art often aims to generate discourse around social issues and raise awareness about certain topics. It also often incorporates aspects of popular culture and internet trends to create a pop culture-style type of imagery.
9. Illustration
Illustration combines elements of art and design in order to create visual representations that can be used to portray a certain idea or concept. It can be used in magazines, newspapers, videos, animation, or websites to add a creative flair to the visuals.
Illustrators often draw inspiration from traditional art elements, such as folk art or art nouveau, while also incorporating aspects of popular culture to create unique visuals. It also incorporates elements of graphic design and digital painting tools to create something that can be shared and enjoyed by the masses.
10. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is an art form that uses ink, brushes, and strokes to create beautiful and aesthetically pleasing writing. It often draws from traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic writing systems, combining their principles of elegance, harmony, and balance.
Calligraphy also has its own set of rules and instructions on where to place strokes and how to form each letter. Letter forms are often written in a linear rather than a perpendicular structure.
11. Street Art
Street art is art created in public spaces with the intention of expressing a certain idea or message. It often features graffiti, stencils, stickers, and murals, and is often associated with the anti-establishment, urban culture, and hip-hop. Street art often draws inspiration from the traditional artforms of painting, sculpture, and graphic design, while also embracing contemporary themes and issues.
It also celebrates diversity and inclusion, and embraces different styles and techniques as a way to break social and artistic inhibitions.
12. Graffiti Art
Graffiti art is a form of art that primarily utilizes spray paint to create visual effects and messages on a wall, surface, or object. Originally used by gangs to signify ownership of territory and tag names, graffiti has transformed over time into a respected art form.
Some graffiti artists create murals, which often depict political messages, historical influences, and social themes. Others incorporate illustration and typography in their works in order to add visual interest and depth.
13. Performance Art
Performance art is a form of art that utilizes dance, music, theater, and other art forms to create a live art experience. It often involves aspects of spoken word, improvisation, and visual performance, and can take place either in public or private spaces. Performance artists often express their creativity and ideas through actions, movements, and sounds, rather than through a physical work such as a painting or sculpture.
While many people refer to performance art as a form of entertainment, it is much more than that, as it often explores political, social, and cultural issues.
14. Ceramics
Ceramics is an art form that specializes in creating objects out of clay. It requires a great deal of skill and precision, as the artist must mold and shape the clay into a form of his or her choosing. A drying and baking process is then used to make the pottery hard and long-lasting.
Ceramics can range from simple and practical items, such as cups and plates, to more elaborate works such as sculptures and pottery. The artwork is often decorated with glazes, stains, or other finishing touches, which adds a unique character to the pieces.
15. Weaving
Weaving is an art form that utilizes various yarns, fabrics, and threads to create fabrics, garments, and wall hangings. It is usually done using a loom, which is a device used to create a sturdy and uniform base for the weaving process. Weaving often involves a variety of techniques, such as tapestry, basket weave, twill, and looping, each of which has its own purpose and specific effects.
Weaving is often used to create an array of products, from wall hangings to wardrobe pieces to bedsheets.
16. Textiles
Textiles is a form of art that use various fabrics and stitches to create garments and decor pieces. It is a combination of art and craft, as it involves applying various techniques, such as sewing, weaving, or knitting.
It often draws inspiration from traditional techniques, such as batik and tie-dye, while also incorporating modern designs and fabrics. Textile art often focuses on creating garments that are aesthetically pleasing, but also comfortable and functional. It is a form of art that embraces the idea that fashion can be both practical and beautiful.
17. Jewellery Making
Jewellery making is an art form that involves crafting items out of metal and other materials, such as gemstones, beads, or shells. It is both an art and a craft, as it requires a great deal of technical skill and creative vision.
Jewellery making often involves techniques like soldering, welding, and casting the metal, before adding the finishing touches of stone setting or engraving. Jewellery makers often make pieces that are unique and special, such as engagement and wedding rings, or pieces that are meant to be part of a larger set.
18. Digital Art
Digital art is a form of art that is created using computers and specialized software. It often combines elements of drawing, photography, painting, and graphic design, to create stunning visuals that often have a surreal and futuristic quality.
Digital art often employs the use of digital tools and technology, such as the Photoshop software, to create art that is often meant for print or the web. Digital art typically aims to create an impactful visual experience that can be appreciated by both art enthusiasts, and those without extensive knowledge of art.
19. Pottery
Pottery is a form of art that makes use of clay to create practical and decorative objects. It is a combination of art and craft, requiring the artist to have both technical and creative skills. Potters typically use wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques in order to form the clay into objects.
This can range from plates, cups, and jars, to sculptures, figurines, and vases.
20. Architecture
Architecture is an art form that utilizes techniques such as engineering and drafting, to create habitable or useful spaces. It involves creating various structures, such as buildings, bridges, or monuments, by combining elements of engineering and design.
Architecture often has practical applications, but it can also be an expression of creativity and artistic vision. Many famous architects have created iconic works, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Conclusion
The term “art” has many interpretations, but the core of it is the ability to evoke emotion and expression. Across the centuries, art has changed and evolved, giving rise to various forms and techniques. This article has discussed 20 of them, ranging from painting, printmaking, and photography, to sculpture, installation art, and performance art.
The different forms of art discussed in this article represent the diversity of art and the various ways it can be used to express ideas and emotions. Each form of art requires creativity, a vision, and skill, and no matter the form, there is an art for everyone.