Art Quotes: What is Art?

What is art? That's a question with not an easy answer. Many have their opinions on the subject. Some think it can be defined, others think it can't. It's often interesting, though, to hear what other artists consider it to be. The following are a few quotes from famous artists which provide some answers.

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art." This quote by Paul Cezanne doesn't so much answer what it is, but it does help narrow it down by defining what he thinks it's not. Most would probably agree with this thought by Cezanne.

"Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art." This Andy Warhol quote is perfect for those into pop culture.

"There is no art without intoxication. But I mean a mad intoxication! Let reason teeter! Delirium! The highest degree of delirium! Plunged in burning dementia! Art is the most enrapturing orgy within man's reach. Art must make you laugh a little and make you a little afraid. Anything as long as it doesn't bore." This Jean Dubuffet quote just makes me want to respond with "yes, yes, yes!"

"Art is an outlet toward regions which are not ruled by time and space." This quote by Marcel Duchamp is a deeper take on the question.

"Art is either plagiarism or revolution." I'm not sure exactly what Paul Gauguin had in mind with this quote of his, but I think the quote would make for a great bumper sticker.

"Art is the means by which we communicate what it feels like to be alive..." This quote by Antony Gormley is a similar thought to what Paul Cezanne and Jean Dubuffet had to say about the subject. Many people's answers to the question posed would probably involve one's feelings and emotions.