By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
“Art” has only three letters. But all the subjects it encompasses, every work, thing, figure, etc., under its umbrella more than trumps that number of three. The sheer number of all these art works can be possible, thanks to its trait that we humans share, evolving.
When we think of art, we may think of a grand European painting, filled with so much details and history. Now, in museums we can see works of art that can be hard to take in. Like a banana taped to a canvas, or a urinal standing on its side.
It can be hard to accept what art is on this day and age. And being able to properly appreciate an art, takes a bit of research or readings. Time is required to see the true value of an artwork. Even then, we may never be able to know its true meaning. Every artist has his own intentions, emotions, messages that they put into their works. And while it may be challenging to understand complex arts, it may be more so when it comes to a human. Still, the messages’ impact to the viewer is something that may be hard to put into words. Sometimes, emotions are enough to understanding something rather than words.
Like you and me, we are both works of art. We all come in different shapes, sizes, color and texture. There is no shortness of uniqueness in this giant community. Unfortunately, we most often cannot see the beauty of art among people. When prejudices get in the way, and we refuse to learn about someone or some people, we miss an art, its true meaning and value.
An amateur may look at a painting, see the exterior and quickly forms his own conclusions, but an expert delves deeper, studies and properly appreciate the art.
The ignorant may look at a culture, see the ways of living there, and degrades it because it is different from his own.
A glance at an art may be intimidating, especially to us amateurs, all the different colors, shapes, and sizes we have not seen before can only leave us surprised, and with questions. Almost all of us may be in for a culture shock when we meet people from far-away lands. But by being curious instead of judgmental, we gain knowledge and understanding. When we appreciate a work of art, it drives away all the prejudices that ruin it.
An art work cannot come to be without its artist, without his intentions and meanings behind the creation. If we appreciate such without these then we would be mindless dolls. But we are not, because we are filled with purpose. One that drives us to move, to get us out of bed. And we are alive, we are living works of art. Ones that evolve and change as time pass by.
And as we evolve, we adapt, and we learn. Passing by us every single day are art works that hide beauty and meaning. Across the oceans are many more works of art, but with works that we are unfamiliar with, it may take more time and effort to unravel their beauty and meaning.
Let us work with something we are closer to, and let us appreciate all the masterpieces among us.**
