What is Art? Is it Seeing?

 The question of the ages in the art world has inspired different opinions and quotes. Edgar Degas said,"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."

He has a point. The painting, print, or sculpture is confined to a certain space and concept. A watercolor landscape catches a limited view and invites the viewer to see into the artist vision, creativity and enjoy what he sees. The art of seeing comes into play as the artist creates for others to see.

So it goes with all artwork. But to get further into what Degas said--it isn't what the artist sees. This seems to apply more to abstract, surrealism and other non-realistic work than to realism. In these cases, the artist envisions ideas, pictures from his imagination--a world of thought and feeling beyond reality, but perhaps saying something about it.

Yet, the quote explains it is what the artist makes others see. This implies viewer interaction with the piece. The artist presents and the viewer sees...connects with the art and finds his own miniature world of imagination.


(13x19) Edgar Degas Dancer Art Print Poster
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