Art is a way of grasping the world, not just the physical world of matter and motion, but also the human world of social interaction and spiritual experience. It is a vehicle for understanding ourselves in relation to the universe around us, and for communicating that understanding to others. It can be as simple as a beautiful landscape or as complex as an abstract concept or emotional response. Art has always been important to mankind, and is one of the few things that we as a species have been able to create for ourselves.
When a work of art evokes a strong emotion in you, it is most likely because it speaks to your deeper self. The emotions you feel are a result of your experiences and personal history, and the way in which they interact with one another to make you the person you are today. This is why different people can look at the same artwork and have wildly different reactions to it. One person might think it is the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen, and another may hate it. However, there is no right or wrong reaction to art; it just depends on who you are.
While the definition of what is art is continually being debated, the general consensus is that art is an expression of the human imagination in non-grammatical ways. It has a fundamental appreciation of balance, harmony and rhythm that transcends any utilitarian purpose. It is a way for a culture to express its own unique perspective on life and the universe.
The beauty of a piece of art is also linked to the oxytocin hormone, which is produced in the brain and stimulates bonding and approach-to-the-other behavior. Oxytocin is a natural antidepressant and is thought to be responsible for many of the positive feelings people have when they see art, including awe, a desire to learn more about the artwork and even a feeling of love.
In addition, the process of analyzing and interpreting art can help to build analytical thinking skills, critical awareness and creative problem solving. Developing a critique routine, such as describing an artwork first, then moving to analyze, interpret and finally judging/evaluating it, is a great way for students to practice this skill and develop critical thinking.
Art can also break cultural, social and economic barriers to allow people from all walks of life to connect with one another. This is why it’s so important for schools to teach art as a part of their curriculum, as it helps to level the playing field for all students. By teaching students about the different cultures throughout history, as well as living artists, it can foster acceptance and appreciation of diverse identities that would otherwise not be exposed to on a regular basis. This is a key component of creating a global society where intolerance, racism and other forms of unjust societal segregation are no longer tolerated.