The Value of Art

1
The Value of Art

• Start with question what is art?
• If we know what art is, easier to say what value
  it has

2
Three major theories

• Representational Theory art represents or
  imitates aspects of the world
• Expression Theory art expresses emotions
• Formalism art is an arrangement of lines and
  colours

3
Three answers to question of value

• Good art informs us about the world it is
  accurate and truthful
• Good art expresses emotions and inspires similar
  emotions in consumers of art
• Good art is constructed such that it evokes an
  aesthetic emotion

4
Challenges

• All three theories face counter examples eg
  decorative art does not represent
• 20th century - Conceptual Art deliberately
  challenges all definition
• Is the value of art based in emotion or reason?