Like many artists, I've been wrestling with this question again and again - what the heck is the purpose of art? It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. But here we go, let's dive into this rabbit hole together, shall we?
Art as a Tool
First off, what is art? I have heard many things about this. For example:
- Art is like a language that speaks straight to our souls. Paintings and sculptures whisper secrets and profound truths about life right into our ears.
- Art has this uncanny ability to connect people, like some universal translator for the human experience. We're all just a bunch of strangers until we stand in front of the same canvas, then we can connect through this object in front of us. Art is a connector.
- Art can also be seen as a disruptor that shakes things up. Art challenges the status quo, wants to change it, and makes us see the world with fresh eyes. It's like a kick in the pants, but in the most beautiful way possible.
- Oh, and speaking of beautiful things - beautiful objects have a super important function, don't they? Beauty is a symbol of hope, showing that things can be better. They lure us into wanting to be better, to evolve, to become as beautiful as they are. Beauty can educate our souls. Think about that next time you stare at a stunning piece of art - it's like a masterclass in how to be human. Art is hope and an educator.
- For others, art is about diving deep into our own fears and dreams, using creativity as a flashlight in the dark corners of our minds and giving these insights a visible form, so others can relate. Art is a tool of psychology.
So, art can be different things to different people. If I had to come up with a definition, it would be something like this:
Art is a form of human expression that produces works that communicate emotions and ideas through various mediums (painting, sculpture, music, literature, and so on). It serves as a tool for connection, reflection, and personal or societal commentary.
Find out why it is important to define things and give them proper names HERE
The Benefits for the Viewer
But who is art for, anyway?
Spoiler alert: it's for everyone.
Art isn't some exclusive club for people who can decipher all the fancy jargon. It's for anyone who’s ever looked at a painting and felt a tug in their chest, even if they can't explain why. Art teaches us by conveying emotions, and each emotion we might have when interacting with a piece of art (joy, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust) tells us something about ourselves. It's like therapy, but without the awkward silences and the couch (well, unless it's an installation with a couch, then I guess you're right back where you started). Or if you do not like therapy, art is a mirror that reflects our deepest emotions and challenges us to confront them head-on. When we engage with art, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Therefore, art is for everyone who wants to engage in this form of emotional and mental stimulation, which helps us navigate the complexities of life.
Also, it is for people who want to find out something about others. Art serves as a communal experience, bridging gaps between individuals and communities. Art creates connections that transcend language and cultural barriers, fostering empathy and understanding among diverse groups of people. It’s in these shared moments of awe and contemplation that we realize our interconnectedness, finding solace and inspiration in the collective experience of beauty and creativity. Whether admiring a timeless masterpiece or encountering a contemporary installation, art invites us to participate actively in its narrative, prompting us to question, reflect, and ultimately grow personally and as a group.
And when the artist does his job very well, as Aristotle - yes, the ancient Greek dude – said, he can make profound truths about life stick in our minds. Great art is a sticky note for the soul, reminding us of what really matters.
We could have a simpler, low-brow view on the benefits of art for the viewer, which might focus more on immediate, surface-level gratification, recognizing straightforward, tangible benefits rather than deep emotional or intellectual engagement.
Art isn’t just fancy pictures or weird sculptures - it’s like a mental spa day. When you check out art, it’s like hitting pause on life’s craziness and giving your brain a break. You can zone out for a bit, forget about your to-do list, and just soak in the colors and shapes and enter a different world. Plus, art can be a total mood booster. Ever walked into a room with a cool painting and suddenly felt happier? That’s art doing its thing, lifting your spirits and making your day a bit brighter.
The Artistic Process
Now, let's flip the canvas and talk about the artists. Why do they do it? What's in it for them?
I remind myself very often that the artwork is for the viewer; the art making process is for the artist. Artists spend more time (hopefully) in a state of creating, rather than consuming. They want to bring ideas to life, that’s why they do not have much time to enjoy the benefits. The next idea is always lurking around the corner. Making art becomes a form of self-expression, a way to explore personal narratives and find truths to bottle them in an understandable and usable form. It's like artists are mining their own lives for gems, and the viewer gets to see the treasures they unearth.
But again, for the artist (at least for me), it’s not just about the nuggets of gold; it's about the journey. The act of creating is a process of exploration, a path with no clear end. Artists are these brave souls who strip away the mundane, revealing the glory hidden in the everyday—like lavishing attention on water lilies or even service stations. They make us see the world anew, with all its potential and strangeness. To do that, they need the freedom to wonder, think, experiment, fail, and try again. This is all I want to do. And when something comes out of this process, it will go to the viewer. And I can go back into my studio and start again.
Find out more about the artistic process and its daily challenges HERE.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Art is this crazy, beautiful, complex thing that connects us, challenges us, and helps us grow. That’s the purpose. It's a sticky note for the soul, a flashlight in the dark, a kick in the pants, and a hand to hold—all rolled into one. And isn't that something worth celebrating?
