Krish Gupta | The Shri Ram School, Moulsari, Gurugram, Haryana, India |
Abstract
This paper explores the multifaceted nature of art evaluation, delving into the interplay between artistic creativity, economics, and subjective perspectives. Focusing on visual art, the study aims to compare and contrast various perspectives on the evaluation of art. Through a qualitative approach involving interviews with artists, revivalists, collectors, and laymen, diverse viewpoints on evaluating art are examined. The findings reveal that originality, emotional impact, technical skills, and subjectivity are pivotal factors shaping art evaluation. Economic influences emerge as a significant element, with provenance and gallery representation playing a substantial role in elevating an artist's recognition. Moreover, the study highlights the varying degrees of subjectivity present in art evaluation, emphasizing the challenge of attaining complete objectivity. Informed by these insights, elements that seem to make universally ‘good’ art were established, and encompassed factors such as originality, emotional resonance, technical proficiency, historical and cultural context, uniqueness, and cultural impact. The paper contributes to bridging the gap between subjective interpretation and objective assessment in art evaluation. Ultimately, this study sheds light on the intricate interplay of artistic and subjective factors that shape the perception of art's value and significance.