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'Art' is a complicated term to define. In essence, it is the application of human imagination and skill to communicate something intangible, like beauty, a concept, or a powerful emotion. But if it can't be appropriately quantified, why is art so valuable?
Some art is valuable because it evokes emotion, conveys meaning, and gives people a respite from the harsh realities of life. And the nature of art, to give people the freedom to express themselves honestly and for the sake of expression, is what makes art so precious.
While art can be defined as many things, there are certain conventional art forms, like dance, music, painting, theatre, and sculpture, among others. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why these art forms are essential in this world.
Isn't it strange that art has existed in myriad forms since the dawn of human existence? From the prehistoric Chauvet Cave paintings to today's inter-disciplinary performance art pieces, art has lived alongside us for generations.
Art is so important because it reminds people that there's more to life than the immediate reality that surrounds us. It bridges the gap between conscious reality and the unexpressed unconscious we often keep under wraps. Doing or experiencing art helps to briefly connect with these hidden parts.
Art is important to us for several reasons, and we've created a list with some of the most impactful ones.
A work of art doesn't discriminate between those experiencing it. And the observer is free to make their own interpretation of what they observe. This subjective nature of art ensures that everyone viewing it is placed on equal grounds, irrespective of color, upbringing, or social status.
Most art forms are also open to anyone wishing to develop their skills in that particular field. Anyone can begin learning an art form, and practicing art together is the quickest way to dissolve the social boundaries that separate us.
For example, in the art of breakdancing, dancers form an open circle called a cypher and take turns dancing in the center. Everyone is entitled to be a part of that circle; it doesn't matter where you come from or what you do for a living. Practicing the art form ensures that, at least for a few moments, everyone feels a genuine human connection that transcends typical social boundaries.
This understanding of unity and the natural bond we share as humans is clearly expressed in many forms of art. And it's a way of perception we can carry over into other aspects of our life.
While de-stressing may not seem like such an important reason to have art in our lives, it's worth mentioning here. While there are several ways to relax, art provides a conduit to channel negative emotions like anger and fear.
The energy produced by these emotions can be directed toward an artistic endeavor to create something of value. And if it's not something inherently valuable, creating art can at least help the tension dissipate.
Another reason art relieves stress is that the brain releases dopamine when we perform a pleasurable activity. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone that instantly elevates our mood, making us feel better.
In addition, focusing on a work of art allows us to tune out the worries and problems in our life for a bit. And with that break and the organized state of mind that art produces, it's often easier to feel and process difficult emotions and deal with our problems.
This point ties into the previous one in some ways. As mentioned, focusing on an art form helps us tune out the worries and problems of regular life for a bit. However, this tuning out of problems occurs due to what's known as the 'flow state.'
A flow state is a feeling where you become completely immersed in what you're doing, and you seem to know exactly what to do from moment to moment. Your sense of time warps, and the inhibitions that usually stop you from acting are entirely erased from the mind in this state.
Flow is a state that produces a feeling of ecstasy and gives us a sense that there is something beyond us that moves us. Regularly returning to the flow state can have profound effects on our mood, leading to lasting happiness and fulfillment.
The psychologist who coined the term flow stated that this state is typically attained only when we are involved in challenging and engaging activities. So, art is the perfect tool to enter the flow state repeatedly and improve your quality of life.
While anyone can make art, the lasting benefits of art only come with regular, disciplined practice. Getting good at an art form is synonymous with getting good at other things in life. Here are a few examples of how different art forms help you learn new life skills.
These are three common art forms, and there are several others out there that provide similar benefits. In essence, learning art means the acquisition of new motor, cognitive, and social skills, leading to a level-up in life.
Often, performances or art pieces can help us understand the most hidden aspects of human nature.
Many of Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings were fawned after by men simply because the women in them looked so warm and loving. Is it because these men were weird? Or because most men are looking for someone to give them the comfort they seek, and they found these women in Da Vinci's paintings?
Great art strips away the facade we often so tightly hold onto in the face of society. It takes our secret desires and beliefs and lays them bare.
The performance artist Marina Abramovic is the best example of an artist using her art to reveal the reality of human nature. In her powerful piece, Rhythm 0, Abramovic stood in a room as an inanimate object for six hours.
Before her performance, she laid out seven-two items on the table and instructed the audience to do whatever they wished to during the performance. The items included a feather, honey, perfume, scissors, thorns, and even a gun.
The performance began modestly, with audience members spinning her around and tickling different parts of her with a feather.
As she remained unflinching, the audience began to grow bolder. Some touched her intimately, and others poked her (not too gently) with the thorns. A few hours into the performance, the audience began to cut her clothes off and even cut her skin in various places, causing her to bleed.
The acts dragged on until one audience member pointed the gun to her head, and a fight broke out, ending the show. As the show was done, Maria walked toward the crowd, who ran away as if they saw a ghost. Her performance is a testament to how far humans will go when they consider something (even another human) a mere object.
Art is inseparable from the culture of a place and the many nuances and intricacies that define it. The architecture differs in places across the world, and the designs we see give us an image of the place.
Additionally, art also helps preserve certain customs in culture by passing them down through generations. For example, the Maoris have an art form called poi, a traditional dance done with a small length of rope with a weighted ball attached at the end.
Today, poi has evolved beyond the confines of the island, and people across the world have figured out different ways of using poi. However, the Maori style of poi is still practiced to this day in their traditional outfits and helps remind the locals of their timeless culture.
Aside from historic preservation, art can also be used to make powerful political statements. Often, protests and talks don't provide the kind of impact required to change how things are run. In this case, art can be a powerful catalyst to change.
Picasso is famous for many paintings, but one of his most memorable pieces was Guernica. The art piece was created by Pablo as an act of outrage when the Nazis and fascists bombed the Spanish city of Guernica. The artwork depicts the pain and terror inflicted on the undeserving Basque city.
Pablo initially displayed it in an exhibition to raise funds for the cause, which he successfully managed to do. Over time, the painting traveled across the world and was displaced in several art museums. The atrocities depicted and the popularity of the picture quickly drew the world's attention to the Spanish Civil War, helping to bring it to a quicker end. And so, art can be a powerful catalyst for political and cultural change.
In modern life, many of us are unable to communicate our thoughts and feelings to each other. Even when we try, we often feel misunderstood or unsatisfied with the other's interpretation of us. Fortunately, art gives us a way to show people who we are without having to speak about it in as many words or quantify ourselves for people.
Everyone can see the hard work, creativity, and unique talent that goes into a particular art piece. And no matter the art form, every individual will have a different way of expressing themselves.
We can use our talents, natural inclinations, and life experiences to create something unique in art. And since each of these factors is unique in every human, the artwork is bound to be special!
In a world where honest expression is becoming increasingly complex, it still provides a medium through which we allow others to see our authentic selves.
When you express yourself honestly, people get a glimpse of who you are under the social facade you portray. This authentic view of a person through their art often helps us connect to and understand them more intimately than if we engaged them in conversation.
We see the artist's hard work, dedication, and creative input. We know the world through their eyes for a few moments, and it helps us better understand where they're coming from. Quite often, good artists also charm people through their work, which leads to engaging in a conversation and fostering a more profound connection this way.
If you're an artist, it becomes easier to connect with people once they've seen your work, as they get an insight into who you are. This pseudo introduction to 'you' makes it easier for them to engage in conversion with you. And talking about your artwork is a great start and can help move a conversation along nicely.
And finally, connections are also made between artists and their peers through their work. These connections are of great value because when two artists meet, ideas are discussed and exchanged, planting the seed for fresh ideas.
These collaborations help elevate art itself to new heights, increasing the quality of the work each artist commits to and slowly improving the world for everyone.
