You likely know at least a few people who have some kind of an art collection. They may have an assortment of different paintings hanging on the different walls of their home, or a series of statues and sculptures in a miniature gallery. But of course, art isn’t always conventional. While many people like to collect traditional forms of art, other people try to collect and admire artistic pieces of other types—some of which you
might not consider to be “art” at all.
Learning to respect and admire the subjective appeal of other art forms can lead you to a better appreciation for art in general—and possibly introduce you to a new microcosm of artistic exploration you never really considered.
Collections on the Border of Art
Consider these types of collections, all of which could be described by their holders as works of art:
1. Musical instruments. First, there’s the vast world of musical instruments. Of course, instruments can be used as a medium of artistic expression; if manipulated, they can produce sounds that constitute music, which is commonly regarded as art. But the form of the instruments themselves can be artistic in the eyes of collectors. In addition to providing a form that emits noise, instruments can be designed in a way that evokes a certain feeling, or in a way that bucks “normal” design trends. Certain instruments, like electric guitars, often feature colors, patterns, or design choices to make them more unique, and almost any instrument can be customized to better suit the needs of its owner.
2. Firearms. To someone who doesn’t enjoy, collect, or even shoot firearms on a regular basis, guns can seem like simplistic tools that only have one job. But to a collector,
many types of guns can be considered elegant works of art. Certain firearms are designed with near-perfect functionality in mind, allowing accurate and efficient firing while keeping the user as comfortable as possible. Others are customized with specific parts, colors, or embellishments that make them more personalized. And of course, some people collect historically relevant firearms to preserve their unique stylings and craftsmanship.
3. Video games. Increasingly, people are coming around to the idea that
video games can be artistic. While their mass-produced, physical forms are unimpressive, many modern video games showcase some combination of compelling visuals, beautiful and expressive music, powerful character-driven narratives, and player choices that impact how the game unfolds. For some people, video games are even more impressive works of art than films because of their interactive nature.
4. Rocks, gems, and stones. Rocks, gems, stones, and other elements of nature are typically not considered art because there’s no real “creator.” If you took a rock and sculpted it into a unique shape, you could easily call it art. But if you happened to find it in this particular shape, suddenly its value as art would be lost. But for some people, naturally occurring gems and strange mineral deposits are far more beautiful and more unique than anything a human could create.
5. Graffiti. In the age of
Banksy, we’re more likely to take graffiti seriously as an art form, but historically, graffiti has been nothing more than crude vandalism. These days, graffiti can be literal artwork—an intentional depiction of a subject using spray paint or something similar as a medium. But the method and location of the graffiti can also play into its context as art, and people can “collect” this artwork in the form of photos.
6. Biological specimens. Some biological specimens can easily be considered art; for example, you can think about a display of pinned butterflies. But other collections of biological specimens may be harder to consider as artwork—like collections of mushroom spores or nail clippings.
7. Board games and card games. Thanks to 3D printing and the creative minds of increasingly innovative designers, board games have gotten a massive facelift. Today’s board and card games frequently feature unique game pieces, beautiful card artwork, and stylings you can’t find in any other artistic medium.
Embracing Subjective Differences
You might believe that none of these collections constitutes “artwork” and shouldn’t be displayed or admired as such. But if you want to open your mind and become a better appreciator of art in your own right, you should learn to better understand—and possibly even embrace—your subjective differences. What is it that these people see that you don’t see? What is the crux of your disagreement? Is there beauty to be found in these collections, even if it doesn’t fit other requirements for “art” in your eyes? Addressing these questions and introspecting can help you see art in a different light.
