A working definition of Art - The most common usage of the word "art," is understood to denote skill used to produce an aesthetic result. It is "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others." By any of these definitions of the word, artistic works have existed for almost as long as humankind: from early pre-historic art to contemporary art; however, some theories restrict the concept to modern Western societies.  Theories are subject to change and we are witnessing it now with the evolution of contemporary native art movements.

Art is often intended to appeal and connect with human emotion. It can arouse aesthetic or moral feelings, and can be understood as a way of communicating these feelings. Artists express something so that their audience is aroused to some extent, but they do not have to do so consciously. Art explores what is commonly termed as the human condition that is essentially what it is to be human. Effective art often brings about some new insight concerning the human condition either singly or en-mass, which is not necessarily always positive, or necessarily widens the boundaries of collective human ability. The degree of skill that the artist has, will affect their ability to trigger an emotional response and thereby provide new insights, the ability to manipulate them at will shows exemplary skill and determination. It is important to take note of major historical developments in art by reviewing the trends occurring in three periods of time as follows:

Modern Art Period (1920-1950s) - Economics: art markets are small, few artists are known. Galleries and dealers are making a market in modern art works mainly in NY and Paris. Wealthy collectors are establishing the market value of new artists by buying their work. Museums began establishing collections of "modern" works of art. Post-war economic boom lead to increased sales of art work and the art world hub shifted in power from Europe/Paris to New York.

Artist struggled with traditions that evolved out of the European art evolution, eventually overcoming tradition but new work was understood in the context of grand narrative of art and cultural history of Europe.

Art was formal and focused on material problems of the mediums. Abstraction was privileged over representational art in New York and was an artistic revolution which was embraced by wealthy collectors.

Artists as visionary outsiders provided their point of view about the world around them and they relied the art business world for survival and their communication of ideas patronage was vital to their continued development.  Many artists identified with the spiritual or transcendental teaching and philosophies. Others engaged in political resistance to capitalist economics and class system and each group had their own patrons and support systems.

Baby Boom Art Period (1950-80s) - Economics: art market expands with growth in demographics in art world players and growth of commercial art market. More aspiring artists entering the art scene, colleges churning out thousands of BFAs /  MFAs looking for market validation and a patron base attracted to the romance of being an artist but the demographics made it very difficult.

Many artists challenged the "Western Art" paradigms; which lead to the deconstruction of traditional art media and genres.

Continuation of art works that question the underlying foundation of art, new media and art spaces evolved including performance art and conceptual art. New Creative media including Photography, video, lighting, landscape installations  displace the traditional fine art of painting and sculpture.

Clash of movements in establishing the identity and goals of art and artists leads to fragmentation and pluralism.  Art is seen as performance acts by artists more than finished objects for business transactions.

Contemporary1990s - today - Economics: art market declines in recession artists take on real jobs and continue to engage in art making. Patron base is diminished.  Artists access institutional funding, grants, funded shows and festivals, rely on museum purchases.  High end art market auction business and upper tier galleries flourish. International art world museum-institutional sectors becoming closely aligned in an effort to control artistic development.

Internationalization and globalization of art world "industry" contiues to clash with unresolved identity politics native versus mainstream. National and ethnic identity tensions impact the achievement of international standing and global market value.

Adoption of computer and mechanical techniques impact commercial image styles, effectively removing the visible artist’s "hand," there is increased use of industrial materials and art work execution is altered. Patrons embrace the acceptance of photography and video in "high art" contexts.

Artists continue to rely on grants, media attention, gallery shows, and museum exhibitions.  (avant-garde) artists exist outside of the mainstream and are not accountable to the public or the marketplace.

Closing note we live a a dynamic world and it is important to acknowledge the past, present and future.