Aesthetic Traditions Definition:
Various cultures throughout history traditionally differ what is considered beautiful or of esteemed high quality in art, as well as in how to determine and talk about these things. What experts as well as ordinary people say about art is important. There are no universally applicable criteria or systems for analyzing art's value. It is valuable to study art and design within the original cultural context and standards.
Related Concepts:
Heritage of Design: Many cultural groups as well as artistic movements, families and communities share a common style or sense of design. This common style may be passed from generation to generation, preserved or modified.
Culturally Specific Aesthetics: Ways of viewing and talking about art are specific to particular cultures or subcultures. Graffiti in Los Angeles cannot simply be evaluated with the same criteria as Japanese or Chinese calligraphy.
Cross-Cultural Developments: Artistic products, processes and content may show cross-cultural blends of influence. Mary Cassatt and Vincent van Gogh, for example, were quite influenced by the eloquent use of color and flat space in Japanese prints.
Continuity and Change: Cultural artistic traditions such as familiar visual symbols, intergenerational patterns and revered monuments can give continuity in a culture. Art can also reflect changing attitudes, beliefs and styles.
Sense of Beauty: The urge to appreciate beauty is universal. Within each cultural context and time period, what is considered beautiful and criteria the for determining beauty may vary.
Aesthetic Traditions