Do you expect an artist to use art to communicate a specific moral or philosophy, or do you expect a work to..

Question

be open for the audience to take it as they are inclined?

For example, if a writer creates a character who is of a given race, do you desire the work to convey how the writer he personally feels about that race, or racism in general, or do you expect him to simply present the story, and let people project their own feelings onto the events in the story?

Or if a painting depicts war, do you prefer it when the artist conveys an anti-war message or a pro-patriotism message; or would you prefer that they simply depict war as they see it, leaving it open for people to use or interpret as they feel?

I honestly don't know the answer to this question so I'm not leading you on. (This time).

Answer 1

There's so many different "types" of art; abstract, representational, programmatic etc... the intentions of the artists and audience might not always line-up. Think of popular music alone and all the different meaning people will associate with a song and an artist will go on a talk show and say yeah I was just having fun with words. The only thing I expect from an artist is that they be sincere and honest.

Here's a great resource for looking into the "Aesthetics of Art"
http://www.aesthetics-online.org/

Answer 2

My opinion on art is what the person admiring is thinking, what ideas come to their head. I.E..... You and I can see the same abstract painting.... you can see one thing and say " wow that's grusome" and I can see it and say "this is, classic I love it"

People should interpret art in their own way......

Answer 3

it doesnt really matter what " I " think should be the muse for your art. its a direct scope into your soul, how you want to share it with us is a choice that some artists spend lifetimes trying to figure out. cosmic.