CHAPTER 18 – What is “Art”?

In Chapter 18 of “The Ways of Men,” titled “What is ‘Art’?”, the narrator delves into the perplexing question of defining art. This exploration begins with the author’s memories of being a young, aspiring artist in foreign studios, where the comment “it’s not Art” often served as a damning final judgment on artistic endeavors. Such remarks left the author and peers in a state of confusion and doubt about their works and the very nature of art.

The narrative proceeds to criticize the arbitrary standards set by different “masters” and the shifting sands of public and critical opinion that seem to govern the art world. The author points to the fleeting nature of artistic reputation by recounting the rise and fall of Bastien-Lepage, a painter whose work was once celebrated and then neglected. This story serves as a microcosm of the broader volatility and subjectivity in art appreciation, illustrating how yesterday’s idols can become today’s jokes. The conversation extends to the fluctuating market values of artworks and the inconsistent critical reception of both contemporary and old masters over time, arguing against the notion of a stable or absolute definition of art.

Central to the chapter is a recounting of the struggle to find a durable footing in the art world amidst these shifting perceptions and the search for a meaningful definition of art. This quest finds some resolution in the reflections of Leo Tolstoy, who proposes that art is simply any expression through which one person communicates an experienced emotion to another. This inclusive and accessible definition is embraced as a revelation, challenging the elitist constraints placed on art by those who claim to be its gatekeepers.

The author criticizes the aesthetic elitism and obscurantism that often dominate discussions about art, suggesting that such attitudes distance art from the wider audience and obscure its true essence. Emphasizing Tolstoy’s perspective, the chapter advocates for a democratization of art, asserting that everyone has the potential to be an artist in their own right by sharing their emotions and experiences with others. This view dismantles the hierarchical structure of artistic validation, proposing instead that art’s true value lies in its capacity to connect humans on a fundamental emotional level.

In conclusion, “What is ‘Art’?” argues against constraining art within narrow, exclusive definitions and celebrates the universal potential for artistic expression. It champions a broad, inclusive understanding of art as a vital mode of human communication, accessible to and achievable by all.