Is art really subjective or are there certain conditions that should be met for a work to be classified as art

I asked ChatGPT; Is art really subjective or are there certain conditions that should be met for a work to be classified as art, This is the response I got.

The question of whether art is subjective or if there are certain conditions that should be met for a work to be classified as art is a long-standing debate in the philosophy of aesthetics

. Many people instinctively lean towards subjectivity, viewing art as an individual’s unique response to a piece. However, this perspective also raises questions: if art is purely subjective, how can we have discussions about whether certain works are “good” or “bad”? Why are some pieces displayed in museums and celebrated for centuries, while others are disregarded? 

The case for subjectivity

• Personal Interpretation: Viewers bring their own experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds to their appreciation of art, leading to diverse interpretations.
• Emotional Response: Art’s power often lies in its ability to evoke emotional responses, and these emotions are inherently personal.
• Shifting Tastes: What one generation deems artistic may be seen differently by another, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural trends and individual preferences. 

Arguments for objective criteria

• Skill and Technique: Creating art often involves technical proficiency, whether it’s mastering painting techniques, composing music, or crafting compelling narratives. These skills can be objectively evaluated.
• Composition and Principles of Design: Art often adheres to established principles like balance, proportion, and rhythm, which can be analyzed and judged independently of individual taste. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) identifies seven elements of art and seven principles of art.
• Artistic Context and Intent: Understanding the artist’s intentions, the historical context, and the artistic traditions surrounding a piece can provide a more informed basis for appreciation and analysis.
• Enduring Value: The fact that certain works are consistently recognized and valued across cultures and generations suggests some degree of inherent merit beyond fleeting trends.
• Artworld Institutions: Galleries, museums, critics, and art historians play a role in shaping and defining what counts as art through their selections, exhibitions, and discourse. 

Hybrid perspectives

Many thinkers now advocate for a more nuanced approach, recognizing both subjective and objective aspects of art. Art, at its core, involves a human creation intended to evoke a worthwhile experience, be it through emotional power, beauty, or the conveyance of complex meanings. While individual enjoyment is deeply personal, objective analysis of elements like technical skill, composition, and historical context can inform and enrich our appreciation, according to the website thewritingpost.com.

This is, to me, the real meat and potatoes, so to speak.

In conclusion, art is not solely subjective, nor is it entirely bound by rigid objective criteria. It exists in a dynamic interplay between the creator, the creation, and the audience, where personal interpretation meets with a framework of established artistic principles and traditions.

If a work fails to ignite a vibrant interplay between the creator and the audience, it falls woefully short of its potential. Like many others, I have fervently battled with the art of creation, grappling with the complexities of expressing my vision, despite the countless hours I have devoted to studying art and photography. It wasn’t until the past 6 months or so that I came to realize this. Often, we fall in love with a creation of ours not because it is good but rather because we have a personal connection to it. The problem, I see, is whether the audience has a connection. This is often the failure. As artists, we must become aware of our emotions and then learn to communicate those emotions to our audience.