vendredi 4 janvier 2013

Understanding The Power Of Art

By Maryellen Lamb


To be human has always mean to be somewhat creative. It is nature. Since the beginning of the old days, man has been using artworks to express himself. Exquisite yet quite simple, these channels of communication served man in many purposes in history. They were used as tools for social, cultural, utilitarian, and aesthetic functions. Through them, man was able to acquire a culture needed in fulfilling his nature and was kept safe from being consumed by the world's madness. But these are nothing but mere glimpses. There is still more about the power of art than meets the eye.

Art, as a term, came from several etymologies. It came from the Italian word "artis" which refers to mastery of form, craftsmanship, inventiveness, and the association existing between form and ideas, and materials and techniques. It is also derived from the Aryan word "ar" which means "to put together, " or "to join." Lastly, it also originated from the Greek terms "artizein" and "arkiskein" which means "to prepare, " and "to put together" respectively.

The given definitions hint the idea that art is not something that occurs by accident. It is not created by nature but rather by human hands. And it is being man-made that highlights its distinction from natural formations. Although there are works that makes use of nature as its medium like in the case of environmental arts, they are still man-made and were not formed by nature.

Further, there are three important components one needs to come up with an artwork. One, he needs a medium. Medium is basically any actual material that can be used in making art. Next is he must know the technique, which is in general the art-making process. And lastly, he needs to know the elements. The elements of arts are those abstract things needed to experience them. Color, lines, space, and rhythm are among their examples.

To appreciate the power of artworks, it is best that a person knows their basic aspects. One, artworks are a result of an experience. This hints the fact that they are not just images or figures. Artworks tell something about their makers, their time, and their outlooks in life.

Secondly, it is a kind of communication. Beauty and history are not the only things reflected by an artwork. It also influences people and societies with the messages it conveys. As campaign or propaganda paraphernalia, artworks can be effective in gathering attention and sparking a revolution.

Finally, they are also means through which man expresses himself. The way people dress themselves, posters, company logos, movies, dances, etc. Are all forms of expression. They are avenues through which people understand each other. And since it is human to express, artworks become tools for man to enrich his own well-being and that of his fellow.

It is not only in itself that the power of art lies but also in man's appreciation of it. A painting may just be an image for one man and a masterpiece for another. So are billboards, movies, posters, and similar things. They can be nothing but mere images for the untrained eye. But for a man or community that appreciates art, they are more than what they seem. Recognized, they are empowered with the capability to rally change.




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