ART

by- Eric

Most things that I encounter confuse me. Each day, when I reluctantly crawl from my bed, I expect to learn more about the world in which I live. But despite my ignorance, by each days end, I am left once again with more questions than answers. Why do politics seem so immature? Why is religion, a power that the masses blindly follow, so immoral? Why must people behave the way they do? And yet for every question I come across, I can always refer to visual art. Art is one of few things that I find quite clear.

Art is a universal language. It’s comprehension is not hindered by barriers of time or culture. It is an art form that can express feelings that are beyond words. Feelings so complex that only a combination of texture, color, and technique can do them justice. Although, a work of art is not limited to expression of emotion. In fact, I have yet to discover a single form of communication that can present the horrors of war more clearly than Picasso’s Guernica. No combination of inspirational speeches and anti-war protests can contain the insight and impact that this painting portrays. No individual will walk away from a sight feeling more disturbed. It is a feat that seems impossible by any other means. This has been recognized by cultures throughout the ages.

Fortunately, there is much to learn from the artwork of cultures foreign to us. Especially those that are extinct from the modern day. A single piece of art can, by it’s nature, reveal the values and beliefs of an entire culture. Bearing in mind that the history of extinct cultures holds mysteries that are unsolvable by historians across the board, this seems a remarkable accomplishment. Yet another of life’s cruel and complex elements overcome by art work. One of many triumphs occurring since history’s beginnings.

However vast and distant art’s victories may seem in the grand scheme of things, it still has a direct effect on a culture so microscopic as are own. Currently, the use of art within our society has become self centered and commercialized. In fact, one would be hard-pressed to go a single day without witnessing our society’s manipulation of art in order to sell products. Whether it be a billboard, a poster, or an image on the television, this corruption of art is ever present. And as this corruption grows, it seeps into our societies political and religious establishments. As the church uses art to glorify its image and gain followers, politicians associate themselves with contemporary artists in order to project an image of intelligence and sophistication.

It is unfortunate that something as clear and effective as art has become a tool of the major powers of society. It is a shame that art has always been most acquirable by the rich. It is pathetic that early cultures created art in which they could exalt their society and today we have been reduced to using art to boost our society’s image. But such is life. Life confuses me.