What is art?
Dr. James FoxArt is an essential part of what it means to be human. But what is art? When did we start creating it? And why do we still need it?
Learn about this Garden Talk
Humans have been making paintings and sculptures for thousands of years, but for most people the concept of ‘Art' remains deeply mysterious. In this brand new series, art historian James Fox aims to clear up those mysteries.
In his first talk in the series, James will be answering the most fundamental question of all: what is art?
Taking us on a journey from prehistoric cave painting to the contemporary art scene, James will explore some of the masterpieces of world art and dive deep into the history of philosophy to tackle a series of related questions: When did we start making art? Why do we make it? Can art be anything? Can anything be art? And if so, who gets to decide what is and isn’t art? These questions have never been more relevant than today, when so much art doesn’t seem to be art at all.
James is an art historian at the University of Cambridge, as well as a curator, award-winning broadcaster and the best-selling author of The World According To Colour.
Talk chapters:
3.53 - Natural art from 3 million years ago
8.14 - 19th century understanding of art
12.13 - Art in the 20th century
14.04 - An 'open concept'
18.28 - The functionalist approach
24.17 - The institutionalist approach
28.54 - What question should we be asking?
Talk outline
50 minutes
30 minute talk
20 minute Member Q&A
James fell in love with art at the age of six and hasn't looked back since. He is now an art historian at the University of Cambridge, a curator, an award-winning broadcaster and the author of bestselling book The World According to Colour.
Art's Biggest Questions Collection
Join our 4-part series as we explore the world of art with Cambridge Art Historian & Broadcaster, Dr James Fox.Art is an essential part of what it means to be human. But what is art? When did we start creating it? And why do we still need it?
Why are some artists famous and others forgotten? Why are some artworks priceless and others worthless? And in an era where so much art is so hard to fathom, how do we know whether a work of art is any good?
Many artists have tried to re-shape society, using art as a tool for propaganda and protest, to bring about social change, and to improve people’s lives. But can art really make a difference? And where would we be without it?
Artists have always been early adopters of new technologies, but in recent years new technologies have appeared more quickly than ever before. Should we be excited about these dramatic changes, or worried? Are they a flash in the pan, or here to stay?
