Man is an artistic being and art is an integral part of being human. As humans we express and utilize art in various ways, from paintings, to music, poetry, sculpture, architecture, photography, Fashion design, Graphic design, etc. Man utilises art in taking others to where he's been or making them see what he saw or sees. Just like in the case of prehistoric art that gives us a glimpse into what life was like back then, the animals that existed, the cultures and rituals that defined specific tribes, clans, and cultures.
Man uses art to give you a glimpse of his imagination and creativity, evoking specific emotions.
Art is categorised into Fine arts and Applied arts. Fine arts focuses on human creativity and is made primarily for aesthetics or creative expression. It is further classified into: painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry. With theatre and dance being part of the minor arts, and film, photography and video production being the modern forms.
Applied art on the other hand focuses on different media and applies design and decoration to everyday and essentially practical objects in order to make them aesthetically pleasing. Applied art is categorised into: industrial design, sculpture, architecture, crafts, ceramic art, automotive design, fashion design, graphic design, etc.
These art forms are not judged based on aesthetics alone but also functionality unlike fine arts. So basically, art is a diverse range of cultural activity that is centred on works that utilise creative or imaginative talents. These works are expected to evoke a worthwhile experience through the expression of emotional power or beauty. Art is an expression of the creativity of man aimed at instigating specific reactions or achieving specific goals. Art in every form is powerful, aesthetically pleasing, and symbolic. Like I established earlier, man is artistic and most times his expression of this innate nature is not to even stimulate or fulfill a specific external purpose. In this form art can be appreciated simply for how good it is. As humans there's this basic instinct for and appreciation of balance and beauty. Art is used in many cultures as a symbol, serving a purpose within the culture with no aim of conveying a message outside of the tribe or culture. Art can also be an expression of the imagination of the artist. Art provides a means to express our imaginations, ideas, encounters in non - grammatic ways. An understanding of one's self can happen through art. Art is a powerful toll we humans utilise and express giving a glimpse into our thoughts, imaginations and ideas. All of these are unintentional use of art. They are non-motivated functions of art that transcend simply from our nature as humans.
However, art can be utilised and expressed intentionally and consciously. This is know as motivated function of art. Artists take intentional actions to bring about about changes which could be political or social or even environmental, convey specific moods or emotions, to sell a product or to simply communicate.
In communication, art is used with an intention towards another individual or used to express feelings. For example poets and singers hope to pass across a message to their listeners or invoke nostalgia and feelings through this art. Which is why some songs are referred to love songs, heartbreak songs, because they express the emotions the singer felt writing the lyrics and when you listen to these songs, they evoke this same reaction. It is same way gospel singer sing songs that enable us realms they accessed in the making of the songs and stimulate emotions they felt.
In photography, pictures are taken with an intent making use of various principles and techniques to achieve this intent. Various composition techniques which might be oblivious to the viewers, are used to direct the eyes of these viewers to the central theme or subject of focus in the image, stimulating emotions.
Documentary photography has been used and is still being used in freezing moments, creating awareness, and even exposing an hidden message, sending a signal or be a cry for help.
Art can also function as entertainment with various works created to achieve this. It can also be used in raising awareness about crucial topics, conditions, and movement. Politically, art can be used to bring about desired changes, socially to criticize certain aspects of society and even to encourage tolerance towards cultural differences.
Art is a powerful tool that be expressed for both non-motivated and motivated functions, yet at its central theme it is appreciated for its beauty, it's aesthetics.
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