What Is Good Art?
July 11, 2025 – Los Angeles: Want to start an argument? Just define for anyone with aesthetic sensibilities what good art is. The above video, from the Crash Course Art History series, explores the multifaceted nature of “good art” and how its value extends beyond monetary worth.
The Elusive Nature of Art’s Value
Art’s value is inherently subjective, shifting with culture, time, and individual perspective. It raises the question of why certain artworks achieve museum status while others do not, suggesting that understanding historical methods of art valuation is key to discerning what constitutes “art.”
Non-Monetary Aspects of Art’s Value
Beyond its price tag, art’s value is shaped by several non-monetary factors:
- Message and Emotion: Art can be highly valued for the message it conveys, its historical significance, or the emotions it evokes. A personal sculpture, for instance, might hold deeper emotional resonance than a mass-produced item.
- Aesthetics and Beauty: The concept of beauty in art, or aesthetics, is culturally and temporally defined. What is considered beautiful can vary dramatically, as illustrated by the contrasting aesthetic ideals represented by the Coyolxauhqui Monolith and Michelangelo’s David.
- Innovation and Perspective: Art is also valued for its innovation and its capacity to offer fresh perspectives. Dorothea Lange’s impactful photographs, such as those documenting Japanese American children awaiting internment, are not necessarily beautiful but are profoundly valued for their ability to portray reality and elicit empathy, thereby challenging prevailing government narratives.
The Influence of Lore and Art Criticism
The narrative and lore surrounding an artwork can significantly inflate its perceived worth. The Mona Lisa’s global renown and value, for example, surged dramatically after its theft in 1911, transforming it from a relatively lesser-known piece into an iconic masterpiece.
Art criticism plays a crucial role in shaping artistic tastes and defining “good” art. Historically, critics like 18th-century European Denis Diderot championed art with moral or philosophical depth, often dismissing styles like Rococo. Later, 20th-century critics such as Clement Greenberg advocated for abstract art due to its groundbreaking nature, while dismissing more sentimental works as “kitsch.” These critical viewpoints, though subjective, have a lasting impact on what art is preserved in history, textbooks, and museums.
Museums and Subjectivity
Even museum collections, despite their appearance of objectivity, are ultimately built upon opinions and biases. The Guggenheim Museum, for instance, originated from a private collection. The video also notes that the experience of viewing a famous artwork in person, like the Mona Lisa, can sometimes be anticlimactic due to crowds and the artwork’s scale, contrasting sharply with its immense perceived value.
In conclusion, while the objective judgment of art remains debatable, understanding an artwork’s cultural context provides invaluable insight. The evaluation of art often reveals more about the observer and their cultural and social backgrounds than about the art itself. By approaching art with an open mind, one can appreciate the inherent value in a wide range of artworks, even those not housed in renowned museums.
Stated another way, it’s OK to appreciate certain art and not others. Only you can define what “good” art is for yourself.