Art - an interpretation of life and nature

By Amal Hewavissenti

It is far sensible to study how art applies to real life rather than defining what art is because different cultures view art under different shades. In all respects, art has been an important part of human life from the beginning.

As we listen to music over radio or live from a singer, we feel ourselves being hypnotised with the aesthetic appeal of it. As a powerful art, music is capable of sharpening the emotions and sensations of the human mind. And different varieties of music is inspirational for the ear and mind and enrich the taste of generations.

Art is indeed an interpretation of nature and life. Art entertains the masses and inspires the imagination of all people representative all classes and races. Even dancing as an art can channel universal feelings, themes and emotions no matter what culture or country it belongs to. Therefore, art can express itself from one culture to another and bridge all barriers and gaps.

Dancing is an art mastered by people for centuries and intended to display happiness, pride or grief through the artistic and rhythmic movement of body. Human body is the primary medium of this art that expresses emotions and dignifies them.

Drama as a form of art provides the viewer with high level of entertainment and insights into the life. The drama might be a tragedy, comedy or musical drama which unfolds ups and downs of life or happiness or sorrow on the stage. The viewer instantly connects his own personal experiences and emotions with what is seen to be the same in the drama.

Vision

The drama depicts the realities and problems of life on the stage and broadens the vision of life of each member of the audience. Films, radio dramas and teledramas as forms of entertaining art have captured the interest and attention of a vast audience. The music too contributes much to heighten the emotions and feelings which the drama succeeds in producing within the viewer.

Sculpture, architecture and painting are important forms of visual art. Even the furniture, and other appliances which have been made with certain artistic patterns and decorations are also art. We definitely have the tendency to appreciate the artistic properties of pots, vessels and tools which have been crafted with high workmanship. Therefore, any building, song, drama, story or drama becomes a work of art chiefly because of the aesthetic quality introduced into it.

On the other hand, nature can, in no way call itself art but man can create art with nature. For instance, a charming waterfall, a mountain or a beautiful sunrise on a fabulous landscape can be exploited to create a work of art such as a painting, film or a drama.

Thus art effectively interprets nature and life.

Romein Roland states, "The political life of a particular nation is only a sup[superficial factor of its existence. If we are to comprehend the inner spirit of that nation we must have an insight into the literature, philosophy and art which reflect the expectations and views of the community ..." Therefore, the art reflects the heartbeat of a community.

It is fairly difficult to demarcate a definite period of time when dancing, painting, singing or acting came into being.

Prehistoric

Though we know nothing of the painters, musicians, sculptors or actors who lived thousands of years back, it is possible to conclude that these forms of art existed with man even before his civilisation.

It is impossible to say how important a part art had played in the lives of prehistoric man. But the paintings on canes speak volumes for the prehistoric man's interest and delight in the art next to the struggle for his survival.

Some view art as the off shoot of people's tendency to present beautifully what they have observed in life and the living surroundings.

Art emerges where people attempt to recreate beautifully what they gain as experiences both pleasant and bitter they say.

Early man appears to have derived immense pleasure by decorating the cave he lived in, and the tools, pots and other appliances that he used.

That was his art which reflected his lifestyle and which filled him with contentment. How art emerged is a major question.

It is sensible to conclude that art emerged out of man's struggle to survive and the need to entertain himself during his free time.

However, art is a psychological need for man to be oblivious to the violence in his world.

The world art includes popular art, folk art, fine arts, classical art and crafts that contain elements of art.

The most widespread art is popular art. Popular art often deals with the superficial characteristics of the natural world.

The folk art is identified to be the music, literature, drama, sculpture and painting developed within rural societies.

But fine arts chiefly associate with human mind and imagination and are recognizably more advanced than folk art.