different dimensions of art, how they affect the artists and the society around them

different dimensions of art, how they affect the artists and the society around them

In most scenarios, drawing and paintings are the first thoughts that get into one’s mind while thinking about art. Though it is worth to note that artists cannot just be confined and limited to the labeled artists, in the broader scope, art can be referred to like anything that created or made to initiate a conversation for other people or yourself. Nn argued that art is necessary and is inescapable. He states that art is conspicuous everywhere one moves to. The parks are awash with artworks to inform individuals as well as attracting their attention to various aspects. Arts on posters carry a lot of motivations and information while the music on televisions and radio helps in keeping one active and live. Nn maintained that most of the time, people find themselves engulfed by the power of art without even noticing. Moreover, philosophers have long argued that as empirical and objective as science is, it cannot capture and explain phenomena like emotion and the true essence of the soul. Art has been there from the onset of time, from cave paintings of Neanderthals to sophisticated skyscrapers in metropolitan cities and hanging tapestries reigning supreme in several museums all over the world. Through art, there has been self-expression and the portrayal of the surrounding society from which the piece of art originates. Art has served as a source of beauty and as a means to capture beauty itself. It has also aided several societal purposes like critiquing political regimes. However, it may be challenging to have a clear comprehension of the patterns and strokes that have been used by various artists. An understanding of the meaning of various patterns and strokes of art may help and individual to easily comprehend the meaning that a given piece of art portrays.  This is because strokes and patterns may carry different meanings, such as emotions, personality, and even hunger. It may as well express love and compassion. It worth noting that different people get varied meanings fro the same piece of art. While to others, it might portray anger, others may interpret it as anger. This means that people make use of art to have a reflection of their own feelings. Nn claimed that strokes and colors induce feelings and are the reason that drives women and men to love and even purchase pieces of art. This paper aims to see the different dimensions of art, how they affect the artists and the society around them, and how they evoke resonance from those who are subjected to them.

1. Art and the public scene

A number of artists get inspired by the society around them. Occurrences that stir the artistic side of an individual, be it a painter, sculptor, poet, novelist, or songwriter, are inherent all around us. The urban space, for one, is a very strong source of inspiration for many. With themes that ride the spectrum of good and bad, like social ills, think corruption, to the blessings bestowed upon neighborhoods like overpass roads and bridges, there is a limitless number of situations, people, and objects to draw from, and this is what art is all about.

Additionally, art can be inspired by national events like a country winning all three medals in a marathon, or a country’s independence. Historical events also play a huge role in the creation of art. The revolution in Chile has inspired countless pieces of art that celebrate the struggle that took place in the country. The society also reacts to art that mirrors it. A society with neighborhoods filled with flower graffiti is structurally different from one filled with graffiti that depicts gang affiliations. The society reacts differently to each of these depictions. Art is the mirror of society, and if it is gallant, then society is. If it is unchaste, then that is what society is. Reaction to the image projected in a mirror is usually honest, as the mirror never lies. As such, society often reacts accordingly with what the artist has presented. The public inspires the artist, and the artist mirrors this inspiration accordingly.

1. Art and the commodity culture

In recent years, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, a crisp painting of Christ, became the most expensive piece of art on sale after the bidding went well over $430 million. The painting, one of the only surviving masterpieces of the legend, was once sold for $60 after it was thought a copy. In the classic, neo-classic and romantic eras, most painters and sculptors only displayed their works for the public to see without asking for any fee, but with the onset of the new age came careers out of such artistry that put food on people’s tables and blankets over their backs. Most artists prefer monetary appreciation for their efforts while some do not. It is all relative, and it all ties down to the subjective nature of each individual artist. In today’s world some may be more inclined to wanting a pay out of their work. This is because such individuals may be relying on art as their main source of income. Others, on the other hand, may opt not to prefer any form of monetary value for their work. They may be well established in the art scene and thus have no need for currency. They may also be doubling in art as a form of leisure. This not an unheard-of thing as many people in the world are usually in between jobs r have major careers and need an outlet to let off some steam. Art is a perfect avenue for this. This trivial topic has also formed a theme for artists to draw upon, and there have been several works of art presented that critique this commodification of art.

1. Art and the audience

As discussed above, the society influences art and literature in many ways. Some of these ways are direct, while others are not. Connecting with one’s audience has always been integral in art as one can only go so far with talent and no audience. Even with this said, artists choose to work on their pieces in the confines of their work spaces without involving the public, and only present the finished product which is always appreciated. As popular as this mode of art creation is, some do not conform to this process. In recent times, there has emerged a trend of letting fans and connoisseurs tag along for the ride, that is, the creation of the art piece. This involvement creates a closer relationship between the fans and the artists, and this bond culminates in a deeper understanding of the created art by both of the involved sides.

The creator gets to understand the way his art is perceived as it is mid creation, and the watcher gets to understand the creation process and actively participate in it. The bond created is that of loyalty, but as lucrative as it sounds, sometimes can carry adverse consequences for the artist.

The audience directly have an effect on the art piece. This is because direct feedback as the piece is in creation. This direct feedback can actually alter the course of the art and change the artist’s original vision of the piece thus creating a completely different work from the intended. Involving the audience also limits creative input from the artist. Creation of what one wants without ill comments stirring the course of creation.

1. Art and politics.

Many an artist have been involved in political revolutions through art and literature. In Africa most of the first wave politicians after independence of many countries were artists who doubled in the arts as much as they did in politics. Painters and poets used art to critique colonial powers and empower their fellow Africans to rise against oppression. Art was used as a means of creating togetherness throughout the country, it formed a rallying point of different cultures to come together, set aside their differences and fight for freedom.

Art and politics did not collide in Africa alone. Artists from Chile, for example, in their pieces respond to the oppression of the minority in countries such as America. The adaptation of Che Guevara, one of the most renown Argentine Marxist revolutionaries, in almost all their works point to a guerrilla-like struggle against racial profiling for example and as a revolt against an oppressive government. Artists like Helio Oiticica, in his Parangole (I embody revolt), 1964, straw, stuffed burlap shows the troubles of one who is fighting for political rights and equality.

1. Art and the museum

Should art be displayed in museums or the private galleries of home owners? The established belief regarding this conundrum is that art “sits on its ass in a museum,”- Claes Oldenburg. Today’s art seeks to go against both these notions, negating their possibilities which both hold true. A good example of this is art found displayed on street walls like graffiti. It is neither in a museum nor in the confines of some rich man’s halls or vault.

Art can be bought and displayed in homes. Such include paintings, carvings and sculptures. Some are usually gifted to owners as a show of good will by the artists.

Despite the selling of art to private collectors being popular, it is not uncommon to find paintings and such displayed in public galleries and museums. An example of this in the Mona Lisa by da Vinci, that sits in Paris’ Louvre.

There are several reasons as to why one might be moved to present his or her works to private buyers and contractors. This include the benefits of being affiliated to some elite collectors who are expert connoisseurs, the need for exposure that can only be achieved through subjecting one’s work to a tailored selection of audiences.

Established artists usually go back to museums in order to display their work. This is usually because the needed exposure is already achieved and one has created a name for himself out there. In addition to this, displaying one’s pieces next to legendary or in outspoken venues can gain one the reputation one needs in order to ascend even higher on the art ladder.

1. Art and Gender.

The theme of gender is one that has been explode by many a artist. Gender in art existed since the bygone times of the Hellenistic era, from sculptures of Athena in Athens to that of Zeus holding his mighty bolt of lightning. Even Leonardo da Vinci gave us a balance of gender in art through the Mona Lisa and the Salvator Mundi, which spread evenly through depiction of gender. In contemporary art, painters and poets seek to be gender sensitive as possible as in this era it is a sensitive subject.

Gender in art is expressed from an artist’s own perspective as much as it is from an artistic point of view. In this respect, a lot of female artists are involved in art as the men are. It is all inclusive. Their subject matter does not differ from those of their male counterparts but goes an extra step to strive to embody the form and beliefs of the woman’s mind. They include feministic themes such as equality, freedom of speech and go as far as including overall themes like gender fluidity.

It can, therefore, be noted that art is holistic, and it spans all around us. It depicts cultures around, and can inspire so much in a person that can lead one to accomplish wonderful feats. Objectively, it is a store of vast oceans of cultural heritage, and forms a great basis for career choices throughout the globe. Art has been used to indicate, celebrate and motivate equality on all facets of life, be it political, gender-related or with relation to the environment. And it has been one of the many feats of continued human evolution and development. Through art we can find a semblance of beauty and self-reflection. We can peer into the hidden truths of the mystical side of the human mind and how it shapes the world we live in. these are things science and empiricism cannot explain. Moreover, scholars have argued that as empirical and objective as science is, it cannot capture and explain phenomena like emotion and the true essence of the soul. Art has been there from the onset of time, from cave paintings of Neanderthals to sophisticated skyscrapers in metropolitan cities and hanging tapestries reigning supreme in several museums all over the world.