What is Art?
If you are looking for a cemented definition, the first thing you see when you search this question on Google is that art is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power”
Although the oldest known artwork originated from our earlier ancestors of evolved apes, the Homo Sapiens, the actual definition of art can’t be confined to a definite sentence. One of the beauties of this ancient concept is that it cannot be categorized into any group or genre. We all have our unique perceptions of everything — we find small beauties in things that others may not be able to recognize. Especially with the modernization of so many accessibilities around us, we have developed the thinking that everything has its personal, designated group — its own category. We fail to understand, however, that every animate and inanimate object has a unique purpose, and expresses different feelings depending on how you perceive it. Not everything has limitations — especially the human brain.
To discuss this in a neuroscience paradigm, our frontal cortex of the brain is the hub of creativity. It is known for stirring up creative processes and thinking in relation to our expressions and emotions of what we see in our everyday life. Thus, the boundaries and uniqueness of creative thinking are limitless. The same object that may invoke happiness in one person may express the feeling of melancholy in another — it all depends on the perspective and mindset at how that certain object was observed at.
An easy example of this can be proven by one of the most famed paintings — the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503. Using oil paints on a wood panel, Da Vinci was able to portray a mix of emotions in the audience. Not only did the popularity of this painting grow due to the accuracy of details and proportions, but also because of the controversy in the emotion expressed on the beautiful lady’s portrait. Some may think that she is genuinely happy while others say that she is experiencing a melancholy state. Depending on how you observe this notable painting, emotion is different for everyone. Although we don’t know the artist’s perspective and purpose, we do know that this painting gives us proof and a base on how powerful an art piece is. The same statement the Mona Lisa gave in the early 1500s remains true and strong today, as it inspires many artists and viewers to engage their creative thinking process and make a statement of their own.
Especially in our fast-paced world, we often fail to neglect the importance of art. What was once known to be a notable occupation as an artist has now been looked down on and ignored by many. Artists today are struggling to find the motivation to continue their work and express their creative process as artistry has now been suppressed by many people. Many people fail to understand that art is the one concept that connects all academic fields. From historic artworks of ancient government structures, to the sketches of the first discovered cells by Robert Hooke, to the complex mathematical skills needed for the traditional Indian dance, Kathak, art is the bridge to almost every big discovery.
Going back to the question “What is art?”, and as mentioned before — there is no definite meaning to this powerful, three-lettered word. However, it can be said that art is an expression — an emotion — that can be used and has been used for every purpose. It brings life and touches everyone’s heart in different ways. It can be used to bring strong statements or to express and portray hardships, triumphs, feelings, etc. Art is dance, paintings, drawings, writing, cooking, martial arts, and so much more. There is no limitation and there will never be a limitation on how vast our brain can expand to reach and connect with other people through our creative thinking. As an artist, I truly believe that this field is most necessary to human progress and life will develop to be very dull if we do not continue and appreciate this ancient concept.
After the deep thought of the true definition of art, the question arises — what impact or statement can we individually make through art, and how can we use our unique creativity to improve our society for the better? As a young citizen of our planet, I truly believe that our society is already changing, and we all can continue to change each other and ourselves to look at other people’s points of view through art.
