High Art

High art falls under a category where the lines seem to be "black and white". We have preconceived notions about what deserves admiration and respect, and what is just simply common. That said, when thinking high art, we generally think of museums that house classical paintings and music, the ballet, and the theater. Now, even though it's been established that the "bandwagon effect" is what makes these out to be popular high art, it doesn't seem to be a strong enough reason. Taking it one step further, something has to have gained them that title. By analyzing what emotions each of the above art forms evoke, high art is something that is not only beautiful and pleasant to the senses, but is also thought provoking without presenting a formal claim or idea. It's open for the audience to interpret. It also usually imitates what happens in real life. In that case, what is considered high art shouldn't be limited to the list which it currently is. Photography applies to all of the derived criteria, but additionally, it's a form of art which is so versatile that it appeals to many different audiences. Photography can transform an image from real life and cause people to enjoy what they are seeing, yet think deeply and create discussion without knowing the motive behind the picture.

High art is as much a form of entertainment as it is of expression. The theater is a form of expression while entertaining; for example, a piece such as Spring Awakening can be entertaining while watching it, but it's an expression of what the playwright believed about the teenage demographic and the flaws there are in their upbringing, while allowing to actor room to express their love for performance. Photography both expresses and entertains as well. This photo is beautiful, capturing light, silhouettes, and colors in a unique and expressive way, while more likely being an expression of the relationship between those two people, or between any two people. It has many layers that can be peeled back or left alone, depending on viewer discretion.

Furthermore, photography also has the unique capability of transforming everyday life into a platform from which it can be viewed in a more interesting environment. . Photography can create the same type of presentation: for example this image is that of someone on a bench of some sort, but going beyond that, one thinks of their motive, their circumstances, the setting, and even the person themselves. The image is taken as a silhouette from an angle where the photographer was probably not visible. This gives the viewer a sense of just being a silent observer. Drawing the comparison to high art, Da Vinci's Mona Lisa seems to show an ordinary woman who was asked to be painted. However, her expression has been contemplated for years because people view it in a light where they think about the history behind the art.

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