Art is the synthesis of inner emotions, perceptions and ideas that are skillfully conveyed in a creative visual form or symbol called a work of art. It has played an integral role in the development of human societies and is today an essential part of our cultural fabric and identity. It has multiple roles, ranging from aesthetic to educational and therapeutic.
Whether it is a beautiful piece of music, an amazing movie or a striking sculpture, great art captivates the masses and makes a difference in society. When a famous photographer publishes photos of war-torn regions, it captures the hearts of the masses and draws their attention to humanitarian efforts. Art is the driving force of civilisation, inspiring change and revealing truths to a wider audience.
The development of a society can be reflected in the evolution of art, as it reflects and mirrors change in politics, morality and culture. Creating, interpreting and studying art is also an invaluable means of learning about different cultures. Art inspires creativity beyond limits, encouraging lateral thinking and risk-taking, which can help to drive innovation in industries.
Art gives us an insight into the world, not just the physical world as portrayed by science, but the human world of relationships, culture and spiritual experience. Art allows us to grasp the essence of the universe, evoking emotions and thoughts that transcend the mundane.
The use of art can be both positive and negative, and a significant amount of art is used to promote propaganda or sell products. It can influence popular conceptions or mood, and subtly alter perceptions and emotions in a similar way to a drug or other mind-altering substance.
It is important to note that, regardless of the intentions of the artist, art can often be interpreted in many different ways by the viewer, and the meaning and intent of the artwork is not always what is originally intended. This is what makes art so interesting and enduring, and it is one of the reasons that it is such a valid medium for education.
Art has the power to educate a mass audience, but it can also be unintentionally misleading and misrepresentative, which can cause people to lose trust in art. It is important that students make their own observations, and do not rely solely on the information presented to them in textbooks and the media.
An excellent exercise to try with any work of art is to sketch or draw it. This helps the student to really look at the work and engage with it on a deeper level, rather than just viewing it from the perspective of a postcard or in a book. In addition, this can be a great way to explore the compositional elements of the work (i.e., alignment of edges; overlapping or clustered items; dominance and emphasis; linear mark-making; framing, patterned outlines and broken borders). Each of these elements can impact the overall feel and meaning of an artwork.