Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum; therefore, the way we receive it is influenced by multiple factors. This article delves into the processes that influence how we judge a piece of art. We’ll also be going into the objective element that art criticism brings to the table. On the other hand, we can safely say that despite being highly subjective, art is also produced to appeal to the masses: those who develop creative online casino games - which are played by thousands across the globe - know this more than anyone. But this does not mean a certain amount of skill and expertise is lacking, quite the opposite. In fact, for a game to be so many, it requires not only an artistic flair but a knack for being able to appeal to the masses. This is quite a challenge, and one not all casino operators manage to execute well. Then there are those that are a cut above the rest, like Spin Station Casino, where players can enjoy over a thousand high quality games and a match bonus of up to $3000.

The development of online casino games is one way of channelling one’s creativity. In what follows, we’ll be exploring the basic principles of why we tend to enjoy the type of art we consume, and the objective element that is present in art.

What is Art?

We can’t discuss a subject meaningfully without agreeing on a basic definition of it. The Oxford Dictionary provides the following definition for art:

“the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

Therefore, under this definition, the value of an artwork is determined by how effectively it adheres to aesthetic principles and the extent of its emotional appeal. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the concepts of beauty and emotional appeal are inherently subjective.

Then again, the definition also recognizes the involvement of human skill, which introduces objective criteria to the discussion.

What Makes Art Subjective?

As we’ll discuss later, there are objective criteria through which one can judge an artwork. Much of these objective criteria are often defined by people who have a theoretical background, but really and truly, when the average person visits an art exhibition, individual perceptions and interpretations come into play, and these are often independent of any objective standards for measuring the quality of an artwork. So, what factors shape our response to an artwork?

Mere Exposure Effect

One element contributing to subjectivity is the mere exposure effect, which suggests that the more we’re exposed to something, the more we tend to like it. In art, therefore, the more we’re exposed to a particular style or artist, the more likely we are to develop an appreciation for their work.

Nevertheless, even though exposure has an impact, this should not limit us from appreciating new styles or artists. Seeking continued exposure and keeping an open mind are key to appreciating new artistic expressions.

Loyalty

When we form a strong attachment or affinity towards a specific style or artist, it tends to influence our perception of other artworks. Our established preferences become a filter through which we view and appreciate art, as we lean towards works that we’re loyal to.

This loyalty can create a sense of familiarity and comfort, as well as a sense of belonging to a particular artistic community. However, it can also limit our willingness to explore and appreciate new styles or artists that could be equally great. So, it's good to be aware of our loyalty and to keep an open mind as much as possible.

Groupthink

The phenomenon of groupthink plays a role in subjectivity too. Being part of a social group or artistic community can really impact how we see and judge art. We might find ourselves adopting popular opinions within our social circles or artistic communities. This is not necessarily a negative influence because it creates a sense of belonging. Nevertheless, it can also limit our individual perspectives and prevent us from exploring art outside of those collective expectations. Therefore, it’s important to find a balance between appreciating the opinions of others and maintaining our own unique viewpoints. After all, art is all about personal expression and diverse interpretations.

Is There Anything Objective About Art?

We often think of art as being subjective, but there are actually some objective aspects that can be considered when evaluating artwork. For example, in representational art, we can look at whether the subject looks realistic, if the composition works well, and if the color palette is harmonious.

Even if we're not consciously aware of it, there are certain aesthetic rules that tend to please the eye universally. We might instinctively react positively or negatively to color combinations or notice when the rule of thirds in composition is ignored.

Artists themselves often have a keen eye for objective qualities that the general public might not immediately pick up on. They can tell if a line is drawn accurately just by looking at it. And in art competitions, there are usually specific criteria that artists need to follow depending on the type of art being judged. For example, a photography contest might focus on color saturation and sharpness, while a drawing competition might consider realistic shape formation and the shading technique.

So, while art is often seen as a matter of personal taste, there are definitely objective elements that can be considered when evaluating its quality.

The Beauty Of Art’s Subjectivity

What perhaps distinguishes art from science is exactly its subjective element. While science is based on objective truths, the beauty of art lies in its openness to diverse interpretations, where creativity knows no bounds.

Imagine if there were only one prescribed type of cartooning deemed objectively good. We would miss out on the plethora of amazing comics, Disney movies, and children's books that exist today. The fact that we can individually decide what types of art we appreciate allows for a vibrant coexistence of various artistic expressions.

Subjectivity is the lifeblood of art, infusing art with character, uniqueness, creativity, and passion. It is what makes art enjoyable, while serving as a wellspring of inspiration for artists to take risks, maintain their creative spirit, and explore new artistic territories.

Many of us yearn for objectivity, as it provides a sense of clarity and structure. It relieves us from the effort of forming our own opinions. However, the true joy of art lies in developing our own subjective viewpoints about various artists and art forms. Without subjectivity, art would lose much of what makes it truly extraordinary.