Saturday, January 5, 2013

Unveiling The Power Of Art

By Maryellen Lamb


Creativity has always been part of human nature. Since time immemorial, man has been expressing himself through artworks. These simple yet exquisite forms of communication have served him well in many purposes throughout history; be they aesthetic, utilitarian, social, or cultural. They have equipped man with a culture needed to complete his being and have protected him from sticking into the madness of the world. But these are mere glimpses of the power of art. There are more than what meets the eye.

The term "art" has many derivations. One is "artis" which is Italian. It means inventiveness, craftsmanship, or mastery of form. It also refers to the relationship in form and ideas, and in materials and techniques. It also came from "ar, " an Aryan word meaning "to put together." And also, it came from the Greek words "arkiskein" and "artizein, " meaning "to put together" and "to prepare" respectively.

Given the definitions, it is quite conclusive that art is not accidental. Neither is it natural. What marks the very attribute that separates it from nature is its being man-made. Sure, there may be some works that are comprised of natural materials like the in the environmental arts, but they did not occur naturally. They were sculpted by the hands of man.

Moreover, to come up with artworks, there must be an interaction between three integral components: medium, technique, and elements. Medium is defined as the physical materials used to make an artwork. Technique on the other hand is the process or the procedure. As for elements, they are the abstract components in art. They are the lines, rhythm, color, space, and similar things.

To appreciate the power of artworks, it is best that a person knows their basic aspects. One, artworks are a result of an experience. This hints the fact that they are not just images or figures. Artworks tell something about their makers, their time, and their outlooks in life.

Also, artworks communicate. They are not just tellers of stories of past events or reflections of beauty. They also influence people and society through the messages they send. They can be utilized as powerful tools for gathering attention or catalyzing change.

Lastly, they are a form of human expression. Fashion, cosmetics, posters, logos, stories, dances, movies, and similar others are all mediums of expression. They can be used to understand others and make others understand. And since expression is part of human nature, man is able to contribute to his well-being and that of others through arts.

It is not only in itself that the power of art lies but also in man's appreciation of it. A painting may just be an image for one man and a masterpiece for another. So are billboards, movies, posters, and similar things. They can be nothing but mere images for the untrained eye. But for a man or community that appreciates art, they are more than what they seem. Recognized, they are empowered with the capability to rally change.




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