We often see the word "art." Our shop also calls itself an "art poster specialty store," but I myself don't really understand its definition, and I arbitrarily interpret it as "something or something that moves or soothes the hearts of those who see or touch it." So, I asked the currently popular ChatGPT (as of April 2023 ), and it answered as follows.
Art refers to activities and works that pursue aesthetic and spiritual value through creative expression and the expression of emotions. Art can be expressed in various forms and media, including painting, sculpture, music, literature, performing arts, film, photography, dance, and architecture.
While art is generally appreciated from an aesthetic point of view, its purpose and intention vary from person to person. Artists may create works for a variety of reasons, including personal expression and the expression of emotions, the transmission of social and political messages, the exploration of cultural identity, and the creation of dialogue and interaction with the audience.
Art changes greatly depending on the era and culture, and there is diversity depending on the style and perspective of individual artists. In addition, art has social influence and can play various roles, such as social change, raising awareness, and providing aesthetic pleasure and inspiration.
In short, art can be defined as a field where human creativity and sensibility intersect, and it can be said to be a general term for activities and works that pursue a rich humanity through aesthetic experiences and the exploration of meaning.
It's understandable if you think about it, but it might be a little difficult...
I also looked into it further.
■ Quoted from Kōjien (https://kojien.iwanami.co.jp/)
Human activity and its products that create aesthetic value by utilizing specific materials, techniques, and physical skills.
It refers to an activity in which the performer or the object of expression and the audience interact with each other in order to achieve mental and sensory changes.
■ ARTFANS (Quoted from https://artfans.jp/ )
The act of being moved emotionally or having one's heart touched by a work of art, or the work of art itself.
■ Katsuhiko Hibino (quoted from High School Newspaper https://www.koukouseishinbun.jp/articles/-/6119 )
When an observer receives information transmitted from an object and experiences some emotion, such as "Ah, this is beautiful" or "This makes me feel nostalgic," the relationship between that object and the observer is called "art." Art is not something that exists within the object itself; rather, it exists in the observer's mind. It might be easier to understand if we say, "The object provides a trigger for experiencing something."
As expected, Mr. Hibino, thank you very much. As you said, it's easy to understand.
ARTFANS, your simple definition makes it easy to understand. Thank you very much.
Changing the subject, there's a saying in America, " Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. " A literal translation is "Beauty resides in the eye of the beholder," but a more casual translation would be something like, "What one finds beautiful differs from person to person." Applying this to art, it would be something like, "What's art to you might not be art to me." In reality, is it more a matter of taste than a difference in sensitivity?
To put it bluntly, I generally agree.
I also write other articles about art, so please take a look.
About Nordic Art: The Fusion of Function and Beauty
The Relationship Between Art Appreciation and the Brain
What's the difference between an artist and a designer?
The most common and reliable way to choose art.
For those who don't quite understand abstract art.
Where are art posters and interior posters sold? Where can I buy them?
*The thumbnail for this article uses an image by photographer Kunihiko Takuma . It's one of my most memorable pieces of art.
Addendum (July 29, 2025)
I asked Chat GPT, as it stands in July 2025, the question "What is art?". It's interesting to compare it with the April 2023 version mentioned above.
1. Forms of Expression
Art is a means of expressing emotions and thoughts that cannot be fully conveyed through words, using sight, sound, and the body. There are various forms of art, including painting, music, dance, film, and sculpture, all of which can be seen as methods of sharing one's inner world and perspective with others.
2. Something to ask.
Art also "poses questions to the viewer." For example, seeing a landscape painting and feeling "nostalgic," or seeing an abstract painting and stopping to wonder "What is this?" – it is the power of art to evoke such emotions and thoughts.
3. Something whose value is not fixed.
Art doesn't have right answers or practical utility. That's what leads to its "mystery" and "attractiveness." Even with the same piece of art, some people will find it "beautiful" while others will think "I don't understand it." That's the fascinating thing about art; it holds its own despite such differing interpretations.
4. A Mirror Reflecting the Times and Culture
Art reflects the social background, values, technology, and ideas of its time. For example, there are expressions such as Ukiyo-e, Impressionism, and contemporary art that could only have been born in their respective eras and places.
5. It's also something familiar.
And above all, art is not "for special people," but something that "anyone can feel and be involved with." A painting you put up in your house, your favorite music, a drawing your child made, a photo you casually took—art is there in these everyday things.
So, what does "art" mean to you?
This question isn't about getting an answer from someone else; perhaps the very act of considering "what it means to me" is the first step in engaging with art.
If you're comfortable with it, please share your thoughts and feelings. We can explore things more deeply together from there.
That's the end of the answer. It's come a long way (laughs).
I'm sorry. / I apologize. / My apologies.
