What is art? People tend to shrug at the question because art tends to defy definition assigned to it.  Art is a reflection of culture and even an adversary of it. Art is expression and enlightenment composed exclusively by us. Music, paintings, books, poems, movies, plays and much more are art. Art can give value to our lives and even broaden our understanding of the world around us. However, more and more I see the question cropping up both on the web and in my own mind: is art dying?

It is a legitimate question. Many of the types of art that our culture enjoyed in past generations are either losing popularity or gone. It can be argued that art forms should die if they are no longer relevant, and I would agree. Still, the painters’ and the sculptors’ creations are consistent with the modern era and its values but we pay almost no attention to them.  Not only are some art forms suffering, but talented artists in popular genres such as music and books aren’t getting much recognition.

It seems that art is being replaced by entertainment. These two words are by no means interchangeable.  Art and entertainment almost never walk in lockstep. The next time you go to a movie, ask yourself whether what you watched created an emotional response and maybe even changed your world view a little, or if it just distracted and entertained you for its duration. Watching a movie for entertainment or listening to music just because you like to dance to it is just fine. It’s just noticeable that what is being recycled through our culture is of less substance and more distraction. 

So the solution would be to recognize and view the art forms we enjoy. They may be harder to find, but they tend to be more enjoyable. Just listen to a song that triggers an emotional response, watch a movie that makes you think “wow,” or enjoy a painting or book that captures you inside its world.  If these actions don’t happen, then it is likely art would recede even farther and maybe even dry up. 

I’m concerned for the future of art. Pop culture is pushing it out of the way to make room for its own agenda instead of adopting it and realizing its importance. It is still being held together by the minority of individuals who create art and those who immerse themselves in it.

Is art dying? The answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t expect or push towards a revival of it.