What art is, has been one of humanity’s most enduring mysteries. It has been defined as the expression or communication of emotions and ideas, mimesis or representation, a form of creative play or experimentation, an object of aesthetic contemplation or enjoyment, and as a vehicle for cultural and religious meanings and values.
Art is also a basic human instinct for balance and harmony (beauty). It may be experienced without understanding its meaning or purpose, as in the appreciation of music, dance, poetry, or even nature itself. The experience of beauty is not about knowledge, but rather about an aspect of the world that transcends reason, a sense of wholeness and order beyond a rational explanation.
In early times, artistic works often merged secular and spiritual themes, with rulers being sculpted in the style of Gods and Goddesses, or with Biblical scenes featuring real or fictional people. When the Industrial Revolution began, however, new styles of painting and sculpture emerged which focused on secular subjects such as landscapes and everyday life events. The emergence of the era of Romanticism and individualism saw an increase in emphasis on originality and personality as the main driver for defining art, which led to many styles becoming popular, such as Impressionism and Modernism.
Art stimulates creativity and encourages lateral thinking and risk-taking, helping us to explore possibilities which can lead to innovation in various industries. It challenges perceptions and assumptions, which leads to critical thinking, and opens up fresh perspectives. It also inspires individuals, encouraging them to think differently and explore alternative realities, thus facilitating epiphanies.
It provokes intelligent discourse – not the kind of superficial debate that is common in schools and colleges, but profound, intellectually solid discourse which can challenge social norms and change the behaviour of society. For example, paintings such as Elizabeth Sirani’s “Portia Wounding Her Thigh” helped to break down the traditional Victorian attitude that women were inferior to men.
The most important function of art is that it strengthens the will and pushes people to act. Artists do not think like policymakers or academics – they think from their heart, and have big, revolutionary, and visionary ideas that can inspire and influence a large group of people. This makes them a vital part of society, and helps to combat issues such as poverty, inequality, and unjust societal segregation.