Objective Art Definition: A Multi-Perspective Exploration

In the vast and often complex realm of artistic theory and practice, the definition of objective art remains a subject of ongoing exploration and debate. Objective art, as a concept, posits that art should be a medium through which reality is represented or perceived objectively, transcending the artist’s personal biases or subjective interpretations. However, what constitutes “objectivity” in art is not always straightforward and often invites multiple perspectives and interpretations.

1. The Canonical View: Objectivity as a Standard of Representation

In the traditional or canonical understanding of objective art, objectivity is seen as a means of accurate representation. This viewpoint considers art as a mirror reflecting the visible world around it, striving for a balance between artistic expression and realistic representation. The artist, in this context, serves as an observer and recorder of reality, striving to capture its essence without personal bias or distortion.

2. The Modernist Perspective: Objectivity as a Tool for Social Commentary

Modernist artists often viewed objectivity through a different lens. While they still emphasized the importance of accurate representation, they also emphasized the role of art in social commentary and critique. In this paradigm, objectivity served as a tool to challenge traditional views and promote social progress. Artists employed their craft to record the social realities of their times, using objectivity as a means to call for societal introspection and reform.

3. Postmodern Reinterpretations: Objectivity in Deconstructive Framework

The postmodern era challenged the notion of objectivity even further. Postmodern theorists argue that objectivity is not an absolute but rather a social construct that shifts and evolves with cultural contexts and historical perspectives. In this framework, even art’s representations of objective reality are not immune to the lens of societal norms and power structures that shape them. As such, objectivity becomes fluid and context-specific rather than fixed and absolute.

4. The Intersectional View: Objectivity in Dialogue with Subjectivity

An alternative approach to understanding objectivity in art places it in dialogue with subjectivity. This perspective recognizes that art cannot be fully objective without acknowledging the artist’s subjective lens and emotional involvement. Art is seen as a dynamic exchange between subjectivity and objectivity where both perspectives contribute to the artwork’s final expression and interpretation. This approach highlights the role of subjectivity in shaping objectivity, rather than seeing them as separate entities or opposites in conflict.

Objectivity in art cannot be defined in a singular or rigid manner. It is a multifaceted concept that changes with cultural shifts and historical evolution. The ongoing dialogue between objectivity and subjectivity within art provides an ongoing source of exploration and innovation that enriches our understanding of both art and ourselves within it. As we continue to navigate this complex interplay of concepts, we can gain deeper insights into what it means to create art objectively while acknowledging its inevitable interplay with our subjective selves and social contexts.

Q & A:

• What does objectivity mean in the context of art?
• What are some examples of objective art in traditional understanding?
• How did modernism change our understanding of objective art?
• How do postmodernists view objectivity differently from traditionalists? What about intersectional view?
• What role does subjectivity play in the concept of objective art?
• What are some challenges in defining objectivity in art?