Art is one of the most universal forms of human expression, but also one of the most contested. Who decides what counts as art? Who benefits from its creation and consumption? Who has the authority to judge its value and meaning? I have particularly struggled with the idea of complicated art expressions. Are artists at will to express themselves however they want even when there is a clear disjoint between their art and the audience? Or are they compelled to consider their audience’s interpretation/understanding when creating art? In other words, is art for the artist or the audience? Does art need an audience at all?

Some people argue that art is primarily for the artist, and that an audience is unnecessary or even irrelevant. Their view is that art is a personal expression of the artist’s vision, emotions, experiences, or beliefs, and that it does not depend on external validation or feedback. It is a way for artists to explore their own identity, creativity, and potential, without being constrained by expectations or conventions. The artist does not need to cater to anyone else’s tastes, expectations or opinions. They create art for their own satisfaction, enjoyment and fulfillment. Art can also be therapeutic for artists who have suffered trauma or hardship. In this lens, art is an end in itself, not a means to please others.

Some examples of artists who have created art for themselves include:

– Vincent van Gogh: The famous painter was largely ignored and misunderstood during his lifetime. He suffered from mental illness and poverty, and only sold one painting before his death at 37. He painted prolifically as a way to cope with his anguish and loneliness, often using bright colors and expressive brushstrokes to convey his emotions. His paintings are now considered masterpieces of modern art.

– Emily Dickinson: The reclusive poet wrote nearly 1800 poems in her lifetime, but only published a handful of them anonymously. She kept most of her poems hidden in her room, where they were discovered after her death. She wrote poetry as a way to express her thoughts and feelings about life, death, nature, love, faith, and more. Her poems are now regarded as some of the finest examples of American literature.

– J.D. Salinger: The acclaimed author of The Catcher in the Rye became famous after his novel was published in 1951, but he soon withdrew from public life and stopped publishing his work. He continued to write privately until his death in 2010, but refused to share his manuscripts with anyone. He wrote fiction as a way to explore his own ideas and experiences without compromising his artistic integrity or privacy.

Other people argue that art is primarily for the audience, and that an artist has a responsibility to consider their viewers, listeners, or readers when creating their work. This view holds that art is a social and objective endeavor that reflects the artist’s relationship with their environment, culture and history. Art is a way of communicating with others, exploring common themes and expressing shared values. Thus, the artist needs to appeal to their audience’s senses, emotions and intellects. Art can also be a form of social commentary, criticism, or activism that challenges its audience to think critically, empathize with others, or take action on important issues. In this lens, art is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Some examples of artists who have created art for their audience include:

– Leonardo da Vinci: The Renaissance genius was not only a painter but also an inventor, engineer, scientist, and more. He created artworks that demonstrated his mastery of anatomy, perspective, lighting, and composition. He also designed machines and devices that were ahead of his time. He created artworks that aimed to educate and impress his patrons and viewers with his knowledge and skill. His artworks are now considered icons of Western culture.

– William Shakespeare: The greatest playwright of all time wrote plays that appealed to audiences of all classes and backgrounds in Elizabethan England. He used language that was poetic but accessible to convey stories that were dramatic but realistic. He explored themes such as love, hate, power, revenge, justice, and more in ways that resonated with human emotions and experiences. His plays are now performed and studied around the world.

I do not think there is a definitive answer to this question. I certainly wish some artworks were a little bit easier for me to comprehend. But as an artist, I also understand I have to be a tolerant audience myself, that even if I may not fully understand an artist’s work, it is an expression of life, visions, and perspectives unique to the artist. That in itself is worth appreciating.