What is art: modern meanings and challenges

Abstract

This article presents a search for an answer to the question “what is art?” in the changed conditions of our time. The author does not aim to develop a modernized definition of such a polysemantic concept as art, but at the same time the relevance of rethinking and clarifying individual definitions is obvious. There are many objects and projects at modern exhibitions that position themselves as works of art cause a lot of controversy among viewers and critics. Finding markers that make it possible to separate genuine works from “various types of art” (Yu.M. Lotman) is a difficult and urgent task. Initially, the author examines the stages of formation of the “art” concept and its functions,  tested  by  time,  briefly  reveals  the  importance of  the  main  functions  (aesthetic,  cognitive-heuristic, communicative,  educational,  etc.).  Further,  it  is  noted that such fundamental criteria as aesthetic qualities and skill, the professionalism of the performance of a work in the XX–XXI centuries in many artistic practices have lost their significance. Almost any activity aimed at creating projects that do not carry a functional load has received the  right  to  be  called  art.  However,  art  is  a figurative assimilation  of  reality,  therefore,  using  new  materials and trying to saturate his creation with actual meanings, a modern artist will only remain in the field of art when his  work  has  deep  artistic  imagery.  In  the  traditional way of development of art, the sensual, aesthetic material for  creating  an  artistic  image  dominates,  in  postmodern trends – contexts and associations. In the conclusion, the need for the responsibility of art to society and society to art is emphasized.