What is art?

Jacky Sam

A02

Response 8: "Creating Identity, Defining Culture, and Making History from an Art Exhibit: 'Unfinished Story: A Tribute to My Mothers'"

What is art? I once wrote an essay that required me to critique a general definition of art as well as creating a definition of my own. At that time, I believed that art is a visual form of one's emotions, and I still believe that Huynh Chau's art depicts my definition of art well. 

Huynh Chau's "Connections" displays pedicure basins that are painted yellow with red stripes with yellow cords connected to red sockets. It was dedicated to her mother in law; it portrays her appreciation for her hard work and devotion to her family who were still living in Vietnam. Therefore, Connections is a form of art intended for the dedication of an important person in Chau's life, not for Communist propaganda, as published in the daily paper.

Would Vietnamese Americans have the same reaction and criticism of Chau's art if she were to display her intentions in another form, such as writing an essay? I believe not. With art, the meaning is difficult to depict because there are no written words to explain exactly what the artist is trying to say. The viewers are free to its interpretations, but some are just too oblivious to the artist's background and intentions of his or her work, and are quick to assume. I'm sure some viewers were able to recognize and maybe relate to the emotions that were evoked from Chau's art, but they shouldn't be quick to assume that they know anything about her culture or history. My main concern is that people are raising a controversy over her work and turning it into something that it is not.  

                                                                                                

Question: What is your definition of art? Do you think art is being used for a different purpose today? 

  

Here's a clear photo of the Chau's "Marriage Quilt" and "Connections" display.