Visual Art: Window to Soul, Door to Reality
Visual arts and creation of personal reality.
“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” - Edward Hopper
Visual arts and the creation of personal reality, from the topic itself, show that visual art is a way of expressing one’s reality. It is self-discovery and self-expression that brings life to beautiful visual arts. According to Module 1, Artistic activities involve three main types of experiences: (1) an experience that artists aim to convey, (2) the process of expressing that experience through creating an artwork, and (3) the fulfilling experience of completing or achieving something meaningful. Additionally, art is considered as a general vision of the time in which it was developed. Thus, artists are deeply influenced by their time’s social, economic, political, religious, intellectual, and technological contexts. Through the artworks they create, they are able to curate the attitude and lifestyles present during their generation, making them sort of historians, but using visual arts.
Additionally, the creation of personal reality is the pathway for artists to explore different kinds of art. Some could depict better realities through paintings, while some are able to do it much better through sculptures, all of which are visual arts. These artworks can be seen as the window to one’s soul, as it shares unexpressed emotions. It is also important to emphasize that visual arts are used to express what words can’t. Sometimes people have a hard time expressing themselves through words, that’s where visual arts come into play. Artists are not the only people that benefit from visual arts, this has also been a way where viewers build connections with art forms. It may serve as a means of examining the personal reality of the viewer and artist.
For ages, artists have used visual arts for the expression of said personal reality, here are some art analyses on how these artists have used their personal experiences and lessons to curate beautiful artworks.
First off is Edvard Munch’s “Separation” which affects me deeply due to the similarities my experience has with the painting. I’ve been through a lot of lessons in love and loss, making me appreciate the painting more. The critically acclaimed painting used motions and facial expressions, to convey the figures' emotional suffering, which is emphasized by the contrast between their dark and bright clothing. The muted color palette and expressive brushstrokes contribute to the overall sense of despair and chaos. Additionally, it reflects Munch's skill as a naturalistic painter, and his ability to create iconic representations of emotional states and struggles. It was created in 1896 during a time of rapid industrialization and modernization that often made people feel isolated and despair which are also reflected in the art and literature of the time. Thus, displaying the forces that influenced Munch's artistic vision. It reflects the moral and ethical questions that arise from experiences of loss and emotional pain, emphasizing the universal values of love, compassion, and empathy. Overall, the lesson to take from the painting is to prosper human connection through the need for support and understanding of each other in times of distress.
Girl before a Mirror
Second, is the painting I’ve previously presented, which I really relate to. As someone who’s struggling with his personal appearance and the ability to truly accept oneself, Pablo Picasso’s “Girl Before a Mirror” really hits my heart. It is a painting that depicts the exploration of the human psyche shown through a girl looking at her distorted reflection. It may be interpreted as the girl’s external appearance reflecting her thoughts and emotions. That leads to the difference in art styles between the body and the reflection. The girl’s body is seen in a distorted, Cubist style, while her reflection is done in a more naturalistic style. Highlighting the contrast between the girl’s reality and her perception. Additionally, the painting was created in 1932, when the looming war impacted artists, especially those who were battling with questions of identity. Discovering this, made the painting more heart-felt because there were challenges regarding his identity back in time. It represents an inner conflict that most people experience such as the conflict between one’s self and the persona presented to everyone. Lastly, the painting encompasses a lesson that highlights the importance of self-acceptance, individuality, and most especially the call for society to fully embrace and understand diverse beauty.
Third, Girl with Balloon by anonymous painter Banksy. It is a painting that depicts the image of a girl reaching for her balloon, which is seen as a sense of longing, aspiration, and the fleeting nature of happiness. The red balloon in the shape of a heart stands for innocence and love, but the fact that it is just out of the girl's reach implies that these things are elusive and unachievable. The painting was done using stenciling techniques, with the use of negative space around the girl Banksy was able to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability. Making the message of the painting clearer, which is aspiration and the search for meaning. In relation to cultural, social and historical context, the painting can be viewed as a depiction of the fleeting joy and happiness in contemporary society.
I and the Village
Fourth, “I and the Village” by Marc Chagall. It’s a painting that shows a whimsical scenario of a town filled with diverse people, peasants, and things combined in a surreal way. The painting is a reflection of Chagall’s experience, memories, and fantasies. Chagall produced stylish and emotional artwork by using elements of folk arts done in a cubist style. The painting was done in 1911, when great experimentation of culture and art was done. This was to break free from traditional art and explore different ways of curating artworks. From the painting, we can see and feel that Marc Chagall envisions a world where differences are commemorated rather than criticized. The painting was done to show a beautiful celebration of people’s differences and depth of human experience. How I wish people would begin to apply lessons like this to further prosper a beautiful and accepting world.
Upon searching for paintings that resonate messages close to my heart, I begin to appreciate more the way artists explore their thoughts. They paint with such emotions that it teaches people lessons about life, love, loss, and tragedy. If people would see art with an eye for appreciation, I firmly believe that they would learn more and begin to appreciate numerous art pieces for their message. I can say that there really is more to art, than its aesthetics. It holds the power to show people feelings and emotions, conveyed beautifully.
Ages have went by and still, artists have made use of different mediums and expressed various ideas through art that has evolved. Different artforms have changed as each artist are capable of innovation and self-expression. The ability to create your personal reality through art is not an easy task, as it requires in depth understanding of oneself or sometimes it may be rooted from the fact that the artist doesn’t understand their thoughts. Art forms have been the way for some artists to understand their feelings and emotions, through each stroke of paintbrush and explosion of colors they begin to see what their inner feelings are.
These artworks are a testament to the way artists have used visual arts as a way of self-expression, as it is a way of exploring one’s experiences and translating them into beautifully curated artworks. Art also permits people to furthermore dive into their emotions and thoughts. Through this, individuals will have a better understanding of themselves and grasp their collection of thoughts through their created artwork.
"Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within." - Lady Johnson