Perceptual vs. Conceptual

"In practice, perceptual art may be interpreted as the engagement of multi-sensory experiential stimuli combined with the multiplicity of interpretive meanings on the part of an observer. Sometimes, the role of observer is obscured as members of the public may unwittingly or unknowingly be participants in the creation of the artwork itself. It is very often what is generally called "performance art."

"In conceptual art, the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work. When an artist uses a conceptual form of art, it means that all of the planning and decisions are made beforehand and the execution is a perfunctory affair. The idea becomes a machine that makes the art. - Sol LeWitt, "Paragraphs on Conceptual Art", Artforum June 1967. "

Basically, perceptual artworks stimulate the viewer's sensory organs, creating an illusion as though being in another place. Optical illusions are also part of perceptual arts, except the only sensory organ that is triggered is the eyes. Sometimes, as a result of the play of light, elements in the drawings may produce an effect of extra space, creating a dimension when there are none.

Conceptual artworks, on the other hand, have a meaning behind them. They makes you think and ponder about the issue(s) behind the artworks. There are also some artist that draws based on a general concept instead of a specific idea. There are some about societal issues, and some are based on personal emotions.

Personally, I like conceptual arts and designs more. This is because conceptual artworks stimulate our thoughts, and makes us think about the meaning behind artwork. More often than not, the meaning behind the artworks get misinterpreted. At least, more or less a little. However, the main aim is fulfilled : getting people to think. In the modern day society, less and less people are caring about the issues revolving around them, much less even think about them. Thus, these artworks will make the society be more aware of the things happening around them, and hopefully, do something to make earth a better living place.