ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a philosophical comparison of the art of children and of adults in order to answer the question: what is the difference between the two kinds of artistic activity (if such a difference really exists!)? It attempts to analyse issues that have concerned and inspired many famous artists (such as Fernand Léger, Paul Klee, André Malraux, Karel Appel, Francis Picabia, and Tristan Tzara). An appropriate philosophical approach to the problem can lead to interesting results, as well as enriching contemporary reflections on art. The chapter presents definitions of artistic qualities, artistic values, aesthetic qualities and aesthetic values. It draws several conclusions, which answer the questions of whether speaking of art in terms of play enables the distinction of the art of adults from that of children and whether Ingarden's method, works as a useful tool for the philosophical analysis of art.
