Page 4 - ART GIANTS issue of World of Art (WOA) Contemporary Art Magazine

REDEFINING VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS

Art’s existence as an independent entity has long
been a cornerstone in art criticism. However,

embracing the notion that art is inherently a
creation of its artist opens up a provocative
discourse that challenges conventional wisdom.
This viewpoint shifts the focus from the artwork

itself to the artistic process and the individual
behind it, fundamentally altering our
understanding of what constitutes art.
Historically, art has been perceived as a physical

object or visual representation with an existence
distinct from its creator. Yet, recognizing art as a
creation by the artist presents it as a dynamic,
ever-evolving practice. This shift moves away

from viewing art as a static entity to
acknowledging it as an ongoing creative journey.

This perspective aligns with institutional critique,

a movement questioning the power dynamics
within the art world. Pioneers like Marcel
Odili Donald Odita. Teardrop/Do It Good/Brand New Day. 2025.
© 2025 The Museum of Modern Art, New York.. Digital rendering. Courtesy of the artist Duchamp with his ready-mades, and subsequent
conceptual artists, have shown how designating

something as ”art” often depends on its context
within galleries and museums. By affirming that
art is what artists make of it, we honor the
artist’s role in bestowing meaning and value on

an object, moving beyond mere institutional
validation. Contemporary art embraces the idea
that an artwork’s meaning is not fixed but
shaped by viewers’ interpretations and cultural

contexts. Artists emphasize art’s experiential
and participatory nature, where the audience

4 WORLD of ART