Jusupova 1

Meleka Jusupova

Mrs. Aida A.

A.W.

30 October 2023

The Importance of Meaning in Art

Should we care more about what art means or how it looks? Artists have struggled to find

a delicate balance between them in history, all in an effort to produce works that have a profound

impact on their audience. Any art gallery you enter will be filled with awe inspiring art and

abstract sculptures alike that will evoke deep emotions. These are examples of how the world of

art never ceases to awake our senses and spark our imaginations.

Art is inherently subjective, influenced by personal preferences, cultural backgrounds,

historical contexts, and individual experiences. Each of us can bring our own perspective and

feelings related to an artwork, influencing our decision-making in different ways. While the

debate over whether meaning or beauty is more important in art continues, it is critical to

acknowledge that both qualities contribute to a comprehensive understanding of art.

Personal preferences have a significant impact on how we perceive art. Our tastes,

aesthetic sensibilities, and life experiences all influence how we interpret beauty and draw

meaning from art. For example, one person might admire abstract artworks, whilst another may

prefer realistic paintings that reflect their world. Think about a painting called "Composition

with Red, Blue and Yellow" by Piet Mondrian.

 Jusupova 2

Piet Mondrian's "Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow" (1930) housed in Kunsthaus Zürich,

Switzerland.

This abstract expressionist painting mainly consists of thick, black brushwork, and multiple

colored rectangles. Still, Mondrian’s painting suggests the concepts of discipline and control.

One person may find beauty and meaning in the abstract composition's simplicity and symmetry,
 Jusupova 3

while another may be drawn to the harmony of contrasts that represents both balance and the

pressure of dynamic forces. These personal preferences contribute to the vast diversity of artistic

expression and ensure that art resonates with each of us uniquely.

Imagine art as a person. If it only looks nice but doesn't say anything, it's like having a

friend who only smiles but never talks. Meaning in art is like the words your friend might say – it

gives the pretty face a story or something important to share. Without meaning, art is like a

beautiful picture with no words, missing the chance to tell us something special.

While the attraction of beauty in art is obvious, believers of judging art exclusively by its

meaning claim that the actual nature of art rests in its ability to provoke thoughts, challenge

norms, and serve as a catalyst for change. Philosophers, critics, and artists have discussed the

profound relevance of meaning in art for centuries. Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, was one

of the first to speak out on this topic. In "The Republic" Plato suggests that art should serve as a

tool for moral and philosophical education.

In the words of Plato, a child's mind is pliable and vulnerable to the impact of its

environment. As a result, in his visionary city, craftsmen and artisans must be governed in order

to maintain their pursuit of perfection and beauty in their creations. The goal is to establish a

positive atmosphere for younger people that will benefit them completely. Plato contends that

since art has the potential to alter people's thoughts and ideals, it should be judged largely by the

messages it sends. He felt that art should focus on educating the human spirit rather than mere

imitation by pursuing goodness, beauty, and truth.

 Jusupova 4

In short, while leaning towards the belief that the meaning holds a more significant role,

it is essential to keep in mind that both sides bring much to the table. Meaning and appearance

are both intertwined, the beauty captivates us, drawing our attention, while the meaning provides

depth, stirring thoughts and emotions. Together, they pose as a harmonious relationship, both

complementing each other like nothing else. In the world of art, the combination of beauty and

meaning has a powerful and long-lasting impact that defies personal tastes, inviting us to explore

the vast depths of human creativity.

Works Cited

Plato. The Republic. Translated by Tom Griffit, The Cambridge History of Political Thought,

2000. Book II-III.

Mondrian, Piet. Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow. 1930, Collection: Kunsthaus Zürich,

Switzerland, www.kunsthaus.ch/en/.