What is Art? A Relation Definition

These are some examples of art that might cause one to think more carefully about the definition.  Please add or comment! •  The test of the definition is that it must apply equally to both the art we love and that we which we don't. If the object is not "made" but simply selected–as with Duchamp's famous 1917 urinal– is that still art? When does art drift into satire, propaganda or garbage? Are paintings made by animals art? (Would the animals continue to paint if not trained to do so for the entertainment of people?)  

I have a friend who cannot tell green from red. Is there any point to defining the two? Only insofar as it is useful. For him it doesn't really matter; he can live his life perfectly well without the distinction. But when he comes to a streetlight he had better know the difference or he might die, so then it becomes crucial to know the definition. His will of course be different from mine. For each of us there are two reasons for the definition; 1) to negotiate our own reality and 2) to be able to talk with others about it.  Most of us will never need the definition clarified, but for artists and art lovers it's pretty important to know what it is we are experiencing. Regardless, whether or not we understand it creativity is crucial to human survival. Explaining the Relational Definition • It is convenient to use 'art' to refer to an object or performance which serves as a conveyor, but true art only resides in the experience of the viewer. • When it comes to apprehendi...

  A Relational Definition of ART: –– Carefully crafted and refined over a lifetime by artist/pholospher  Tim Holmes ––                                                         Short definition:   Art is any intentional human creation which appears to serve no other purpose. Full definition: ART is that formal creation made by human intention which shares all of these qualities: a) personally expressive b) reflective of the truth c) presented as an offering d) non-utilitarian* e) realized f) shared g) interesting enough not to be simply thrown away. * The arts include practical items, a class of creations that form an exception. I say "ART" is the creation minus it's its utility (though of course the utility can be esthetic as well.) Although the purpose is practical ...