Art does not just refer to paintings in a museum. There are many different kinds of art: performing arts, visual arts, music, literature. There are objects of art everywhere and they have an obvious effect on our lives. If they are in good taste, we are inspired. If they are in bad taste, we are disgusted and appalled. Even people who are not interested in going to art galleries are still affected by different kinds of art.

We can speak about architecture, for example. Buildings are not just places where we live and work – they are also part of our environment. Architecture has an effect on the way we feel. Living or working in a bright, attractive building makes people feel more optimistic, whereas dark, ugly buildings can make people feel gloomy.

Modern artists often use urban environment to create their works. ”Banksy”, a graffiti artist from Britain, has become famous for his street art, which has appeared in London and in other cities around the world. His images are very striking and often funny. Their message is usually anti-war, anti-capitalism and pro-freedom. He also does some paid work for charities such as Greenpeace. He has done a series of paintings based on famous works of art, such as Monet’s Water-Lily Pond, except with rubbish floating in the water and a shopping trolley sticking out.

Julian Beaver, a chalk artist from London, is also known as "Pavement Picasso”. He has been creating chalk drawings on the pavement for ten years now. He has worked in cities all over the world, from Brussels to New York. He first started pavement drawing with copies of famous paintings like the Mona Lisa in the streets of Europe. Then he painted portraits of famous people. But he is most famous for his amazing 3D images, which he started doing a few years ago. He says that his art is for people who wouldn’t go into an art gallery, it’s for anybody.

Unfortunately, everyday routine is often stressful and depressing. To my mind, the mission of art is to refine our lives and environment. Any object of art should be inspiring. Artists must remember that their creations can influence people. This influence can be encouraging or appalling. Attracting attention and creating a masterpiece are different things. It is easier to become famous than respected or admired. Those who call themselves artists should not forget about it.