Theories of Meaning in Art

Theories of meaning in art explore how artworks communicate ideas or emotions. The **intentionalist theory** suggests meaning comes from the artist’s intention. The **interpretive theory** holds that viewers create meaning through their own understanding. The **referential theory** sees art as representing specific objects or concepts, like symbols or scenes. Lastly, the **aesthetic theory** emphasizes the emotional or sensory experience art evokes, focusing less on specific meaning and more on its beauty and impact. Each offers a different perspective on how art conveys meaning, showing that understanding art can be as diverse as the artworks themselves.