Art has always been considered by many as the ultimate form of human expression. However, art is in the eye of the beholder and therefore something considered as art by one, may not be art to another. Art is an internal part of a person and that is why different people view art uniquely. Thus, art cannot be defined.
Art in general is a representation of its culture. By viewing and observing the many different work of arts, one can always distinguish its origin. Every different type of culture and era presents distinctive and unique characteristics. However, everyone has their different view of art making it a universal language as shown in the English expression, picture can tell a thousand words.
.
Introduction of Japanese Art .
To understand the art and aesthetics of Japan, it is necessary to investigate a Japanese worldview, ideas about the nature of art, and influences brought about through contact with other cultures. The aesthetics of Japan developed in a unique fashion, partly because of its geographic location, 100 miles from Korea and 500 miles from China. Its isolation by the sea helped protect Japan from foreign invasion and allowed its rulers to control contact with other nations. .
Over the centuries, when interactions with foreign cultures occurred, they influenced the traditional arts and aesthetics of Japan. Traditional Japanese art and aesthetics were most affected by the Chinese and Buddhism, but influences from the West are also evident. The primary aesthetic concept at the heart of traditional Japanese culture is the value of harmony in all things. The Japanese worldview is nature-based and concerned with the beauty of studied simplicity and harmony with nature. These ideas are still expressed in every aspect of daily life, despite the many changes brought about by the westernization of Japanese culture. .
This report will show how the Western, Chinese and the Japanese influenced shaped and altered the Japanese style.
