What is Great Art?

I have been troubled by this question ever since the Tate paid hodfuls of money for that pile of bricks and it recurs every year at Turner Prize time. Why do those who are supposedly the experts choose art for a prestigious prize that the public thinks is rubbish? Is the Emperor really wearing fine clothes that only these experts can see, or are they the deluded ones? 

I define Great Art as art which is inspiring, moving or beautiful to many people. I think this simple definition captures everything that I see in Great Art and distinguishes it from run of the mill sketches that I draw in art classes, or the (in my opinion) pretentious rubbish that characterises much of what the Modern Art movement feeds us with. It distinguishes much that is displayed in the National Gallery from much that is displayed in Tate Modern. This makes it for me a successful definition.

Here are some examples of Great Art. In presenting my unfinished list I am aware that I am claiming that these art works are great in an objective way, and yet they are clearly my choice. Others may not like them, that is their choice. However, as well as being my personal choices, they all meet the definition by inspiring, moving or appearing beautiful to many people and not just me.

This site was last updated 24 September 2006