Final answer:
Defining 'what is art' is complex as it encompasses subjective interpretations and evolving concepts across cultures and history. It involves creativity intended to evoke beauty or emotional power, and the role of an artist goes beyond mere technical skill to the expression of human experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
Determining a single definition for what is art is indeed challenging. The subjective nature of art leaves the term constantly evolving, accommodating a vast spectrum of works from traditional paintings to contemporary installations and digital media.
Throughout history, the definition of art has been the subject of much debate, with different eras and cultures having their own standards and criteria.
Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant have delved into the aesthetics of beauty in art, concluding that while some aspects of beauty may be universally recognized, they cannot be distilled into a definitive set of characteristics.
This understanding contributes to the view that art is not just about technical skill or imitation, but about the expression and application of human creativity, intended to evoke beauty or emotional power.
When delving into art, considerations such as the difference between a cultural practice and an artwork come into play, with art often being an encompassing form of communication that captures the essence of what it means to be human.
The role of an artist is to create artifacts that not only serve a purpose but do so with an aesthetic consideration, elevating an object beyond its utility to something that resonates with viewers on a more profound, often emotional level.