Art acts as a collective memory of society. Through expressive media such as paintings, sculptures, music, literature, and other art forms, artists preserve life as we know it even better than fact-based historical records. Art expresses what it felt like to exist at a given time. Art is a multifaceted phenomenon that serves as a reflection of our most intimate emotions and of the world that surrounds us.
It evokes feelings, from joy and pain to anger, creating a bridge of understanding between diverse groups of people. By transcending languages and cultures, art becomes an invaluable asset for fostering unity and peace. From fine art exhibits to community theater in the park, the arts provide an opportunity to meet with others from all walks of life. The arts provide a solid foundation for a comprehensive education, which interweaves the beauty of fine art with the practicality of real-world applications.
For many years as an art educator, I have helped individuals and communities find their voices and express their concerns through individual and collaborative art projects. Japonism, a term first used by French art critic Philippe Burty in the late 19th century, summarizes the profound influence of Japanese art, design, and culture on Western art. Some people wonder if the arts are necessary or justified, most of the time when the topic has to do with funding art curricula. As art students delve deeper into diverse art forms, they gain insights into the functioning of the human brain and the power of creative expression.
