It is easier to do art than clarify what it is. Encyclopedia Britannica defines it as “the use of imagination in the creation of aesthetics”, yet this puts it mildly. Art is flawless; it revolves around the freest of the free.
Perceive it in ways only you can imagine, and you will be perfectly fine. Speak to it in languages of the unknown, and it will speak back to you with its own voice. Mold it into any form your hands desire, and it will gently respond to your free will.
The Swiss Expressionist painter Paul Klee mentions, “Art does not reproduce the visible; it makes visible”. True to form, surrealists have attempted to bring the unknown elements of the heart and soul into life. The tangled and jumbled facets in our minds – words, images, emotions and desires – all flow seamlessly into a piece of artwork.
Art: From past to present
Art spans the entire history of mankind from the hieroglyphics inscribed in age-worn parchment to the magnificence of the Botticelli angels.
Greek art, the foundation of European culture, is the classic architectural ancestor of heavy fluted columns and friezes. Under the reign of Augustus during the mighty Roman Empire, imperial architecture and sculptures blossomed. Subsequently, during the 12th and 13th century, Gothic architecture flourished; it is an aesthetic expression consisting of magnificent stained glass windows and high-arched spires.
The Renaissance era was the zenith of cultural development. It gave birth to renowned intellectuals, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael Santi and Michelangelo. A period where money and art went hand in hand, Italy soon thrived under such masterpieces as the Mona Lisa, the Pieta and the famous Genesis scenes in the Sistine Chapel.
Romanticism during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe depicted the interconnections of humanity. Exotic pieces of art, such as The Death of Sardanapalus, bear the hallmarks and imprints of romance. Impressionism also grew in Paris through the Sunrise of Claude Monet and the Starry Night of Vincent Van Gogh.
Contemporary art now traverses the fine line between cubism – as first originated by Pablo Picasso –and technological distinctions.
Artistic expression in various forms
We see, hear, and feel art. We live in a world where creativity manifests in the things we build. As early as kindergarten, we had the chance to express ourselves with drawings that can only pass as abstract art, and Play Doh as our raw material for our little architectural marvels.
When we were exposed to a bigger world, we realized that drawings are not the only things to appreciate. We discovered the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and Picasso, whose paintings are famous all over the world. We marvel at Michelangelo’s intricate sculpture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus in La Pieta. We find out that the places we set our feet on are designed to be attractive and sturdy. The travel time from one point to another in Manila is enough for us to gaze in awe at the beautiful skyscrapers that surround the metro.
Often times, we sing along with the songs playing on the car radio, or listen to music in our portable players. But music is more than just lyrics and beats; the art of songwriting and song making take many skills and patience to finish.
During weekends, we catch the latest movies; a two-hour film is more than just a film; it requires a concept, and a production team—then again, cinema is the youngest among all the art forms in the country.
DLSU: Purveyor of art
As we rush from one class to another, we cannot ignore the majestic Teresa Yuchengco Building at the heart of the University. Taking numerous artistic shots of the building, editing and watermarking them and then posting them online? Many are guilty.
We are enthralled by the beauty of Yuchengco building’s architecture; the most modern-looking structure inside the University. Little do we know that Greeks, who aspired for perfection, helped design the Yuchengco building.
Greek architecture’s classical orders include Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders. Doric’s style is the simplest while Ionic columns are slender. Corinthian is the most modern of the three. The Yuchengco building falls under the Corinthian order. Its roof is flat and while, and its capital is covered with flowers and leaves. But this building has more than just face value. A museum is located on its 2nd floor, where art exhibits are showcased all year long.
Alternative artistic opportunities
Art is not only there for creation and appreciation. Art builds relationships. There are many competitions that encourage artists to showcase their talents. These competitions allow artists to meet with people with similar artistic inclinations.
Who says that artists cannot thrive in the business world? Their creativity is their number one asset in producing items that are unique, hence, very salable. Artists also contribute to our environment by turning junk into masterpieces. Instead of polluting our society with trash, art can actually save our planet.
Blurred lines and altered times
Looking back into the past, art had a standard to be considered a masterpiece. One needed to consider composition, color, pattern, depth and such, but what about now?
Walk along the streets and look at the brick walls. See the colors splashed all over the wall called graffiti? These are also pieces of art; it just goes to show that art can be situated in the most unexpected places.
Art in hindsight
Ever thought about the death of the art of intimate writing? As Kyle from the movie, Beastly, puts it: “I have been thinking about letters recently. The real kind, long hand. And how terrible it is that nobody is writing them any more. And so I decided to start one to you today. And, I’m going to write to you everyday, for a long, long time.”
Letter writing, this former quaint practice and art, is slowly dying. It seems that now, only a handful of people are willing to hold a pen and a piece of paper, and write a letter of substance to a person they would like to get in touch with.
At the end of the day, we have to question, “Why?” “What is happening?” Have we placed art in a box to be stowed away? Slowly, art extends itself and stretches out; art is not dead. It is still present and relevant. Art still lives on, despite the changes in our lives.
