(9) Puzzles III

[cramschoolgod]

[Phone, standard filter:]

Residents of Mayfield...

What is your definition of art, and do you believe it is important?

Comments

[lunawolves10th]

Art is absolutely important, at least, the creative exercise involved with making it is. As for what is art? Best to ask Fulgrim or a member of the Emperor's children. But... since I am here I shall answer to the best of my capacity.

Art is an expression of the artist's conscious or subconscious thoughts through the medium of their chosen art form.

[cramschoolgod]

I agree that it is perhaps most important as an exercise of the creative functions of humanity. That is, after all, one of humanity's defining characteristics.

As for your definition, however, I would ask, what is opposed to 'conscious or subconscious'? That is, for that term to have meaning, it would require juxtaposition to something; it cannot simply mean everything, unless you wish to admit every action under this heading. And if you wish to do that, the term loses meaning.

[lunawolves10th]

I have seen wonderfully crafted bio-weapons made by the Megarachnids of the planet Murder. There was no guiding intelligence behind them. It was simply instinct that the kill blade-arms they had were also beautiful to behold.

They were beautiful, you could say, but not art. Art is a blade forged by a man, not the natural byproduct of evolution.

[cramschoolgod]

But a man-made replica of those weapons would be considered art, then? Even if though by necessity this would involve only technical skill rather than creativity?

[cruelmiracle]

Individual purpose expressed in an elegant manner through various mediums.

[Also, hi Sasaki. Remember her?]

[cramschoolgod]

...

[A pause, then, evenly:]

Does 'various' mean that any number of media are admissible? Are projects created by multiple people not art, because they don't express an individual's purpose? And what manner of elegance is required? Many pieces of art feature grotesque deaths, for example, and bloodshed--they are called 'raw', which is opposed to the word 'elegant.'

[And despite everything, this cursed instinctive reaction of a shiver passes through her, just barely noticeable in her boice.]

[cruelmiracle]

Any medium is acceptable, and anything which is not boring could be considered some level of art, although for high art it should really be elegant. Death and bloodshed can be such as well, done properly. As for a piece in which multiple people participate, there is certainly a unifying element, or it becomes a mess.

[cramschoolgod]

Philip Glass is a writer of music which is repetitive and often static. In other words, boring. John Cage wrote many pieces whose purpose was stretching the definition of art, and which are extremely 'boring', in a day-to-day definition of the word, at least.

What are some examples of things you consider art?

[sosnarrator]

Art, huh?

[cramschoolgod]

Yes, Kyon, have you heard of it?

[Still a little bit cool...]

[sosnarrator]

Of course. I'm not sure it's something that can be so easily defined though, as one's perception of art can often be somewhat subjective.

(Like a lot of those "modern art" pieces at the gallery... In some cases, my sister could probably do better with a set of crayons.)

[cramschoolgod]

Certainly; that's why I'm asking for individuals' definitions. Of course, I plan to argue it with them as well. I don't believe the question is going to be resolved by this discussion.

[getsciencedone]

[Why do you do this daughter? Database search.]

art

-noun
1.The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.

2.The class of objects subject to aesthetic criteria; works of art collectively, as paintings, sculptures, or drawings: a museum of art; an art collection.

3.A field, genre, or category of art: Painting is an art.

[cramschoolgod]

[...Why do you do this, mom? Sheesh.]

...Quite.

Well, I suppose that answers one question about artificial intelligence, at least.

Thank you. Do you think of anything as art, Glados?

[getsciencedone]

[Because she's an AI]

If we go by that definition. I would say I find an art in Science.

[cramschoolgod]

Hmm. Yes, well, I can't say that comes as much of a surprise, Glados. Anything else?

[Cake? ...Not anymore, huh? Oh well.]

[wise_king]

The Crimson Moon once said my works were exquisite pieces of art.

[cramschoolgod]

Who is the Crimson Moon, and what are your works?

[wise_king]

My creator. And my works are the human imagination.

[cramschoolgod]

Ahh, yes, of course. What is this Crimson Moon like? Is it a sentient being of a similar sort to humanity, or on a higher level?

In any case, that cannot be much of a surprise, as the human imagination is necessarily the source of human art.