Art reaches beyond the boundaries of language and culture, touching people with an innate depth that transcends time. Whether it’s a haunting melody from far away land, the graceful arc of a dancer’s leap, or the silent profundity of a painted canvas, there is something about art that connects us.
It captures the world, not just the physical world (that’s what science is for), but also the human world of emotions and spiritual experience. It can be an expression of a community’s beliefs and values, and it’s also a tool for conveying those beliefs to a larger audience. Ultimately, art is a way of grasping the world, and that’s why it has been so influential throughout history.
In prehistoric caves, Homo sapiens painted their hunting and shamanic rituals on the walls with natural pigments. They used art for both expressive and utilitarian purposes, and anthropologists believe that these early artistic displays were the first examples of abstract art.
As civilization developed, art became a way to display wealth and status. Influential patrons like the Medici family in Florence supported artists to demonstrate their wealth and social dominance, commissioning opulent paintings and magnificent chapels. Art was not just a reflection of society but it was an instrument that drove change in politics and morality.
During the Renaissance, art became a tool for education and inspiration. Its influence reaches to today’s art lovers, as we can still look at a work of art and feel inspired, educated, and encouraged to make changes in our own lives.
The question of what is art can seem intimidating and confusing for a beginner art student or teacher, but it’s really just a matter of perspective. If you’re looking at an established style, such as a landscape painting or a portrait, it’s usually easy to say “yes, that is art” without asking “but is it?” However, as we move further away from those traditional styles, the line begins to blur and it becomes harder and harder for someone to claim an artwork as being authentically their own.
Creating art, regardless of what the finished product looks like, has been shown to improve health and well-being. It reduces stress, boosts the immune system and improves motor coordination. Art can also be a way of healing, allowing for an outlet for pent-up emotions. Whether it’s drawing, dancing or writing, creating art is an effective way of unlocking the human mind’s potential to communicate, inspire and transform.