What IS and ISN’T ART?

Recently, I stumbled upon a social media post where someone attempted to define what IS and ISN'T ART harshly criticizing social posts from different artists.

I often reflect on this myself—when approaching a blank canvas, searching for ideas, or feeling the pressure to create something outstanding, trendy, or groundbreaking. I struggle with the desire to paint what I truly feel—because those emotions often reflect struggle and pain, and I fear such work may not sell. Instead, I turn to painting nature, which not only inspires me but also has a higher chance of finding a buyer. In a way, I fight my own instinct to create and express freely and my need to monetise my work or even this attempt to categorise something. Ha-ha-ha, I am in conflict with my own western thinking.

In my opinion, the origin of any ART—and where it truly stems from—is the need to EXPRESS something that words cannot describe. Art is also a process, a form of engagement with oneself and flow, a practice that requires time for self-reflection. Those who choose artistic careers are often individuals who experience the world intensely, who are more sensitive to its beauty and pain. Many artists begin creating as a way to process inner or outer struggles, using their craft as a tool for expression and healing. Nearly forgot very ancient root - ART as decoration for purpose of protection or inspiration. Or is it just a Craft? Is Craft an Art? ;)

Every child instinctively draws before they can talk. Art is often given as a means of therapy for disabled or traumatised individuals—because it allows for the expression of things that cannot be conveyed in any other way.

Then, there is another layer of ART: the pursuit of ATTENTION, recognition and FAME. Some deliberately follow this path—whether because their artistic inclination was nurtured by their parents, or because they stumbled upon or choose a style to shock, that resonated with the public and went viral. Some dedicate hours to mastering a particular skill, while others develop their own unique language, or create abstract concepts. It is all about context—whether it’s the prestige of owning or experiencing an expensive art by a renowned artist, or simply choosing something unique or personally resonates or go for mass-produced art to liven up your life.

Another approach to ART is engaging with it for the sake of PLAY, curiosity, presence and relaxation. Whether one practices a style inspired by another artist, spends hours drawing parallel lines, or simply throws mud against a canvas, the act itself remains ART. Many have become famous by shocking the world with their unconventional approaches to play—like the infamous banana taped to a wall.

Then, there is ART as a tool for SOCIAL engagement—art that stretches the boundaries of perception, sparks thought, and speaks louder than words about social and global issues.

The problem arises in our Western, capitalist-influenced society, where everything we do is expected to succeed, fit into categories GOOD OR BAD ART, make sense, and be monetised.

Interestingly, in many tribal, Indigenous and non-Western traditions, ART is deeply embedded in daily life—not as a commercial product, but as RITUAL, STORYTELLING and communal practice. This challenges the Western perspective that art must be separate, categorised, and sold.

Does Art even exist without an observer? How much does interpretation shape what is considered "ART"? Mark Rothko delved deeply into this paradox—so deeply that it nearly consumed him. Life, like art, is a paradox. Art is an magic and shamanic act of expression. In today’s social media-driven world, rapid consumption of images has altered how people engage with art. The rise of AI-generated art also raises questions—is that an ART?

Perhaps, at its core, can we call all ART what begins with the impulse to EXPRESS, EXPLORE, TELL STORY and CONNECT? Shall we add DECORATE ?