Many times I have wondered about the usefulness of Art, and in order not to stay in the past, I asked Saint Google and the holy artificial intelligence.
Each one obviously had their divergent position, although on some points they agreed, with which, of course, in order not to be considered a digital sinner, I agree.
At least for me, the three most important coincidences, from which derivatives emerge, were:
1.- Express emotions.
2.- Understand reality.
3.- Provide pleasure.
Art, except for writing that needs to be translated into the different languages of readers, is an alternative universal language, and therefore, allows the expression of emotions, which once aired, can be an act of protest against oppressive regimes, a deepening of spirituality, a cultural rescue of past realities, an exorcism as a therapy, transmitting ideas…
And it is not an exclusive benefit for the creator, but for everyone who participates in the creative act, whether as an author, performer or spectator.
Something similar happens with art that can cause laughter; If someone laughs, it is very likely that it will infect others who, without knowing why, will begin to laugh, and these will begin to laugh at others, and the laughter may turn into an uncontrollable snowball.
The interpretation or understanding of a piece of art may be evident or require a reflective act to find a meaning, to discover the hidden message behind the colors, shapes, sounds, composition, movement, which will not necessarily coincide with the author’s original idea, but it gives us the opportunity to expand our capacity for reflection, thus allowing a better understanding of any event in our lives. To participate in a committed way with art is to think, and I do not mean to be a staunch follower of this or that artist, nor to theorize in an intellectual manner, but simply to take time to reveal the suggestions that a piece of art can give us. .
Good art, risking with the word good, being considered sectarian in terms of the creative act, does not necessarily have to lead us to a depressive reflective state. I am not referring to participating in a creative act and leaving jumping for having found the secret of eternal happiness, but rather, feeling a sensation of internal peace so difficult to find these days, a sensation that can give us calm pleasure. Sometimes the explanation about an artistic piece is vain and hollow if it does not provoke a certain feeling in us.
For me, I insist and emphasize, explaining art is like explaining a joke. For professionals and theorists it is useful, but for the average man, most of the time, with the explanation the sensation can be lost.
As always, this is relative, because sometimes, if you know the motivations behind a piece, this can enhance the message.
Although many ignore it or are not aware of it, art is a human need as important as eating or breathing, and when faced with the question of what is art for? the answer is not even necessary:
Art is vital!
Art, I often start with a personal experience or feeling that I want to explore. I find that using mixed media allows me to layer my emotions onto the canvas, creating depth and richness. My process involves brainstorming and sketching ideas, followed by an experimental phase where I play with colors and textures that resonate with the feelings I want to express. I also draw inspiration from current events and societal issues, allowing me to anchor my work in reality. The key for me is to remain open to where the creative process takes me and to balance my personal narrative with universal themes that many people can relate to.
Guest 1: Dr. Sarah Johnson, Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Oxford
Q: Dr. Johnson, how do you view the significance of art in today’s world? Do you agree with the three main points mentioned in the article – expressing emotions, understanding reality, and providing pleasure?
A1: I certainly agree with the three main points mentioned in the article: art does play a crucial role in expressing emotions, allowing us to better understand reality, and providing pleasure. Expressing emotions through art is essential as it allows individuals to express themselves in unique ways that may not be possible through traditional forms of communication. This can be particularly important in times of political or social unrest when people may feel they have no other outlet for their emotions. Art can also help us understand reality by providing new perspectives and challenging our existing beliefs and assumptions. Lastly, art can certainly provide pleasure, whether it be in the form of aesthetic enjoyment or simply through the act of creation. However, I believe that art’s purpose is much broader than these three points and encompasses a wide range of human experiences and emotions.
Q2: Some argue that art is subjective and therefore cannot be measured for its effectiveness in expressing emotions or understanding reality. As an expert in the field, what is your opinion on this statement?
A2: While it is true that art is subjective, and its meaning and impact can vary from person to person, there are still certain elements that can be objectively analyzed in terms of effectiveness. For example, the use of color, composition, and symbolism can all have different effects on viewers’ emotions and perceptions. Additionally, art historians can trace the evolution of art styles and movements over time, which often reflect changes in society and cultural perspectives. Therefore, while individual interpretation may differ, there are still ways to study and evaluate the effectiveness of art in expressing emotions and understanding reality.
Guest 2: Mr. John Smith, professional artist and painter
Q: Mr. Smith, how do you incorporate emotions and reality into your art? Do you have a specific process or method for creating art that achieves these goals?
A3: I believe that emotions and reality are inherently intertwined in the creative process. When I create
