The Heart Of Art

Everything around us, everything we see and touch, is an artistic creation and product of expression. Whether it is a natural expression of mother earth and the universe, or a man made three dimensional tangible object, we are forever surrounded by creative art.

There has always been a great deal of discussion and indeed confusion, about what art is, and what art is not. Some people believe art is subjective, some people believe it is a matter of perspective, and some people believe that art is objective. And just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, art is also simply seen as this.

For centuries, all forms of art such as painting, drawing, writing, sculpting, architecture, as well as the performing arts such as drama, music, and dance, have continuously inspired all nations, and will forever maintain the power which shapes our world. Other than religion, there is no other subject that is more unifying and divisive simultaneously. And just like many other aspects of life, several aspects can be true about art at the same time, while existing side by side, and occupying the same space. Art should not, and is never supposed to be, an either or.

Art is much more than just what we see. Art is an emotion connected to more than our five regular human senses. While experiencing any form of artistic expression - especially music and dance - there is an energetic vibration which emanates from that particular art form. It is these vibrations and frequencies which connect to our heart, and transpire into emotions, as art is indeed a feeling.

However we feel about any particular concept of art, and whether we are impacted positively or negatively, is irrelevant to its validity. While art exists to serve many positive outcomes, the purpose of all art is self expression and release. This is the form in which both the artist and the observer of the created artform, can both express and release, whatever they wish to heal from or aspire to grow towards, in a healthy and progressively productive manner.

Art exposes the mind to expansion. Art invites healthy scrutiny and criticism, and stirs up debates and conversations on all levels of the subject knowledge, or lack thereof. We can learn and grow, through healthy discussions, and even disagreements. We should not feel the need not be forced into, or adopt strong views. Art enables and welcomes any position of neutrality, where we are free to feel however we feel. We may have absolutely no emotion whatsoever about a particular piece of art or artistry, yet any feelings of disconnection, indifference, or nonchalant, are also valid ‘feelings’.

At no point in life can two people possibly have the ‘exact’ same feelings or emotions for anything. We can have very similar feelings and emotions, and express them in very similar ways as someone else, but they will be felt at varying degrees, depths, and durations. This means that art cannot be experienced by anyone, in the same exact way as another person, which results in the outcome that something may or may not be labelled a work of art, depending on the feeling felt, and by whom.

Art is a relationship. And just like every human relationship, every artist aims to establish a healthy and progressive connection with their art. It takes a great amount of input by way of energy, time, loyalty, focus, devotion, commitment and dedication, to build a relationship between an artist and their work. There are many times when an artist will become frustrated, annoyed, and unfulfilled by their art, and even fall out of favour with their creation, just like in a human relationship between individuals. This is because we are passionate human beings. The same passion we feel for one another, is felt for the love of art, and this is a passion which comes from only one place, which is the heart.

No one has the authority to place a right or wrong label on art. No one has the permission to place art in any type of box, and no one should be given the right to dictate the value or worth of any artistic expression, other than the original artist themselves. Art is ultimately an expression of the heart. Without the wholesome and rhythmic dance between the creator and source of all things, and the flowing lifeblood of our ‘heART’ there would be no ‘ART’.

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