What is art?
In 2024, I tried to come up with some definition of art. Even though most of what we think of as art is tangible objects, art is actually an abstract concept, like freedom or love. I don't have any formal training in art methods, but here is the definition I came up with, documented below for future comments and critique:
Art is based on shared meaning. If the artist cannot generate a shared meaning with the audience, then they have not made art.
This sounds like I'm arguing against the death of the author, but I got over that. I'm simply arguing that there must be an intention which is conveyed by author and is or can be received by the audience. The intended meaning is not the only meaning or even the definitive meaning, but it must exist.
Obviously, this is far from an original idea. Many people have spoken about how art creates shared meaning through play, therapy, resistance, collaboration, etc. But, as stated up top, here is the working definition I came up with to help me talk about art with the people around me.