Communicating through art
The question of whether art should carry a message is one that I often see raised. With valid arguments from each point of view, its not an easy question to answer, which is why I am not going to try and answer this by myself. What I am going to do, is provide my point of view and how this impacts me and my creativity.
Art can be a powerful means of communication, used to convey complex emotions, ideas, and concepts in a way that words often cannot. Through visual elements like colour, form, and composition, artists can express their thoughts and feelings about the world around them. Whether it's a painting, sculpture, or performance, art has the unique ability to evoke a range of emotions and provoke thought.
Communicating messages beyond its visual appearance, art can serve as a mirror to society. For example, ancient cave paintings might depict the daily life of a community or their spiritual beliefs. Renaissance paintings often contained religious and moral messages. Modern art, like Picasso's "Guernica," can serve as a powerful anti-war statement. Art can also address contemporary issues, such as political activism, environmental concerns, or social justice. By encapsulating complex ideas in a visual form, art bridges language barriers and invites viewers to engage with important topics.
The Hunter by Tell tall Tales
However, art does not necessarily need to have an explicit or deep meaning. While many forms of art do convey meaning or messages, it can also just be appreciated for its aesthetic qualities, its ability to evoke emotions, or simply for the pleasure of creating or experiencing it. For example, abstract art often focuses on form, colour, and composition rather than conveying a specific message or meaning. Similarly, decorative art, such as textiles, ceramics, or jewellery, may prioritize beauty and craftsmanship over conveying a deeper meaning.
When I create art, I prefer to do it with meaning to convey a message, emotion, or idea. I achieve this through symbolism, metaphor, or visual storytelling. I often like to invite the viewers to reflect on the world around them, fostering empathy and understanding. whilst also challenging the established norms and provoke thought. Ultimately, for me, art with meaning serves as a powerful tool for communication, encouraging dialogue and engagement with important topics.
This isn’t to say, that all I create is meant to communicate something, sometimes I do like to just make a cool image. But the one thing I always must remember with any piece of art, is that the meaning of art can be subjective and open to interpretation. What one person finds meaningful or significant, another person may not. Its surprised me in the past, what people have taken from a piece of my art when it is presented to them with no explanation.
Guernica by Picasso
This is the power of art, it can be subjective and open to multiple interpretations. For example, a painting's colours, composition, and subject matter might suggest different emotions or themes to different viewers. Historical, cultural, and social contexts also play a significant role in understanding art. An artwork's significance can change over time, as society's values and perspectives evolve. Ultimately, interpretation is a personal and dynamic process that invites viewers to engage with art on a deeper level, fostering empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking.
While many forms of art do have meaning, art does not necessarily need to be created with a specific or deep meaning to be appreciated or valued. And we always have to remember the ultimately, the meaning and definition maybe decided by the viewer.
