Defining Content In Art

Content in art is one of the three basic components that is found within every work of art.  In its most simple definition it is the genre, kind, or style of the art such as still life, naturalism, or figurative art.

This definition while accurate is also overly simplistic.  The content must go through the composition process in order to arrive at its finished state.

What Are The Foundations Of Content In Art?

A basic equation could be used in order to better understand what makes content in art.

(Composition + Focus) + (Elements + Principles) = Content

The foundation of all content in art can be found within the composition of art.  The composition will be comprised of how the artist wishes the subjects and objects to be seen.

In this way content and composition do share a close relationship by meaning.  Composition is the act of creation or the how the art was created.  Content is referring to the finished product.

Focus resides where the artist wishes to express meaning or a message.  Subjects and objects will once again be used with a focus to that end goal within the composition.

Focus is built upon the principles of art where aspects such as rhythm, balance, emphasis, and unity will direct the content within its space.

The elements of art will be selected to build the art within the chosen representation.

How Artistic Expression Impacts Content In Art

Artistic expression will greatly impact the composition and thus the end result of the content in art.  This expression is truly about feeling and projecting the vision of the artist.

Historically art has been used before the advent of the camera in order to capture a moment in time.  Figurative Art and Naturalism are two examples to this history.

It is interesting to note that the artists of these times still found it difficult to keep any personal context from being added to the art.  In order to truly portray a setting as it is seen without influence from the artist was near impossible.

The purpose behind using artistic expression is to move the art to the opposite end of this spectrum.  Content can gain a new life through the expression and eye of the artist.

The difference is easy to hear within music.  A musician playing a piece as it was traditional written is merely repeating a set of recorded notes.  The same musician making it their own adding their perspective and heart to the music will transform the outcome.

Within the visual arts the content of art can be transformed by this same kind of expression.  While a “formula” may exist for creating the artist can alter the many potential variables in order to arrive at a different outcome.

This will shift the impact of the art, its meaning, and how its influence will be perceived.

Mixing Styles Within The Content Of Art

The rigidity of the past is now long history unless one is within a clinical setting such as a classroom.  We understand that content speaks to realism, abstraction, still life, naturalism, narrative and genre art.

Moving beyond the type classification the artist can use the base formula for how content is created in order to mix these types.  The result through expression will yield an altered content in art.

In order to achieve this content the artist merely needs to select two styles and the properties with the necessary elements from each.  Using the foundational tools art is then created towards that vision of the mixed style.

The Purpose Of The Formula For Content In Art

Earlier I presented a formula that is used in order to arrive at a finished work of art.  The end result should be the completed content in art.

The purpose behind the use of the formula is merely to create a point of measurement.  It is a building block that allows an artist to adjust, record, and practice their art to a desired outcome.

In this way the content in art becomes a more tangible destination before the work is completed.  It also becomes a future reference point based upon experience for starting new artwork.

While the formula is very elementary, it can be added to or adjusted to a goal.  Once your formula is created or adjusted then the reference point is established in order to achieve the desired content.

Should Artists Freestyle Content In Art?

The result of any art content within a finished work should always be within the vision of what the artist intended.  There is nothing wrong with freestyling this content.

There is a problem which does come from an artist only using freestyle methods of creation.  The core issue to this kind of content in art is that it does not push the artist to reach beyond limitations.

Growth within artistic abilities is critical for every artist.  Creating a targeted outcome to the content will give a benchmark for achievement.

Altering the variables within the creation process of the content will also challenge the artist towards its outcome.  In this way growth is measurable and calculated.

Additionally, the artist is able to look back across time to see historical reference points to their work.  They will also have a record of how the content was created within that process.

Freestyle content in art is great for allowing exploration and discovering creative ideas.  It is a way to get moving when an artist is stuck, or one is blocked not knowing where to go or what to create.

Each kind of content creation does have its place yet each should be used according to the intended goal.  The method is merely a tool and should never be a standard mode of operation.

Closing Notes On Content In Art

Content in art is a very simple concept for classification.  How one arrives at the completed content is an altogether different matter.

For artists who are seeking to reach a selected format or content this simple idea does hold great depths.  Never be afraid to break traditional ideas of what content has been because of what someone thinks it still should be.

The purpose of art is for our expression and to create new paths that are true to our vision as artists.