| What is Art?
Prior to the invention of the printing press visual art was de facto the greatest disseminator of information to the often illiterate masses, who learned history and theology from arches, statues, stained glass windows, paintings, etc. Art taught and recorded history, the heroic deeds of conquers and leaders (commissioned by them) and the theology established religious group (usually commissioned by them).
Then, with the added invention and development of photography, the role of the painter or sculptor artist as historian or chronicler of our times, stories and mythology/theology has ebbed away.
So, now what is visual art? What purpose does it have? Even, what inherent value?
This is a question that can be asked of all art forms, for the answer(s) should be universal.
Art brings us to an understanding, a catharsis that uplifts us or gives life greater meaning. This understanding is applicable to great art in art forms, music, drama, literature, and of course visual art such as painting, sculpture and photography.
This is an Aristotelian approach. It can be applied to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Beethoven's Fifth Symphony or the Mona Lisa with ease.
Another defining attribute of art is that each piece of art (or experience) is a stand alone creation, without function other than to be uniquely itself.
For instance, it is not necessary to have any training in the history of drama or Italy to appreciate a well mounted version of Romeo and Juliet . Likewise, although understanding of musical theory, history or instruments only enhances the amazing experience of being in the audience when a great philharmonic company plays Beethoven's Fifth Symphony , it is not necessary. I saw the Mona Lisa when I was a young teenager. I was totally ready to scoff and remain cool. Mona Lisa mesmerized me and in one visit changed my understanding of art.
Art stands valiantly alone, each piece with its own meaning and message.
There is a difference between Our Town and a whole season of TV's Survivor. There is a difference between Brubeck's A Train and an advertising jingle. There is a difference between a Campbell 's Soup Can painting by Warhol and product packaging. Warhol encourages us to see our world, our values in a whole new way, whereas the can on the grocery shelf s only about promoting its contents.
The difference is the intrinsic meaning and message: the communication that the piece has for each member of the audience.
Real art goes beyond trendy. Great art communicates, resonates across barriers of time and culture. It inspires. It uplifts. Or, it shakes us out of snug suppositions to reveal searing truths.
Real art is as unstoppable as a force of nature, and will somehow manage to survive wars, book burnings, looting, mean critics and lack of immediate acceptance. Real art changes how we perceive our world and thus how we live.
If you are blessed, it has and will change yours.
June 27, 2006 |
