John Piper offers a wonderful theology of art, in which he defines art as that which is done not merely for utilitarian purposes, but to move or affect.
Strengths of this definition:
“good” art affects us in an emotional and/or spiritual way
purely pragmatic communication does not seem artful
everyone can be artistic in some fashion
art and definitions of art should be rooted in God’s character
Christians should be more motivated than anyone else to care about art
What we could add to this brief definition:
some art also has practical purposes (e.g., a beautiful advertisement)
art demonstrates the common grace of God, even amongst non-believers
art requires intent that sets it apart from everyday actions
