For a while now I have been working on refining a shortest possible definition of "Art". I have heard many definitions in the past, but most were either too romantic, too spiritual, or too permitting in their index.

I'm sure that my own definition is flawed, but I have tried to design it to exclude any argument. I will write it here, and invite you to voice problems with it so that I might adjust it further:

*"Art" is the communication of a unique perception for the purpose of further consideration.*

This is the most I could wash away any excess from a core definition. I believe that communication is the heart of art. If somebody produces something which has physical use (or no specific communication in its design) it is a work of *craft* not art.

I wrote "unique perception" because the most pure forms of art communicate an initial thought without *opinion*. Unbiased. No matter how dark or ugly or beautiful that is.

I have not identified an audience, or even the necessity for one. Art might be made for oneself and for immediate consideration, but that consideration is outside of the mind and is tangible.

Your thoughts? I don't mind any criticism, it's a fascinating subject for me. As far as I can tell this definition covers everything from cave paintings to conceptual and post modern art.