The definition of art is a personal concept. What one person considers art, others might not. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you stare at a work of art, completely engrossed in its awesomeness? Within yourself, you can't help but apologize to the artist for breathing the same air as them. That work of art that you are drooling over might be completely ignored by others. Others might just walk past them without taking a second glance. Art has different definitions. For instance, in my favorite anime “Naruto”, Deidara, one of the characters says art is an explosion, something that blossoms before withering. Art’s beauty lasts in its ability to last for just a few seconds, just like an explosion. On the other hand, Sasori, another character, says art should be eternal. His definition of art suggests that since it takes long to make it should be protected at all costs. This shows that we all have different definitions of art, and we cannot say one of these definitions is wrong.
Today’s Hive learners prompt asks us if art needs to have meaning behind it. Must there always be a hidden message? The big question is that in all the songs we have ever heard and the movies we have seen, is there always a hidden message? Do you think works of art must be didactic before we can acknowledge how good they are? First off, it is important to note that these questions are subjective. You might have a different answer from another person.
Most works of art are reflections of the artist’s thoughts and emotions. Art speaks. It helps the artist convey their innermost and deepest emotions and thoughts. So, when MOST artists produce a work of art, they produce it with the intention to communicate with their audience. For example, consider an artist who creates a drawing of a man facing one direction, a woman facing the opposite direction, and a baby crying in the middle. Looking at this, you might instinctively get the message that the work of art is about an unsettled couple who are also always quarreling. They quarrel so often that their baby is left in the middle to cry. Because this work of art speaks to us on a deeper level and we understand the message, we acknowledge the artist’s talent, calling them a genius and the work a masterpiece.
Now, the question is that, if a work of art is unable to resonate or speak with us on a deep level, does that mean they are not a work of art? On that note, it should be noted that some works of art are not created to be didactic, but for aesthetic purposes. These works of art can evoke emotions; and make you feel happy and lost in a state of awe, without needing to convey a specific message. I am a big fan of art, if I had the resources, my room would be swarming with different artworks. I have a big painting in my room of a woman who carries a big pot on her head. The setting is evening (there is sunset). We can interpret this art as the struggle of a woman. On the other hand, I have a painting at home of a car. No meaning behind it, just a car. A beautiful car, and from time to time, I stand in front of it, appreciating its beauty.
Using songs as a case study. When we listen to music, we don’t have to decipher the meaning behind the lyrics before we appreciate them. Of course, many songs have deep meaning. For example, the first time I listened to Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, it got to me because the main message resonated with me. However, there are some songs we enjoy without caring about the meaning of the lyrics. We enjoy the beat, the rhythm, and the melody. Have you ever listened to a song in another language? You have no idea what language they are speaking, but you find yourself enjoying it. With this, it is evident that songs don’t need to have meanings attached to them before you can enjoy them.
In simple words, works of art do not need to have meaning behind them before we acknowledge how good they are. While some works of art are specifically created for this purpose, passing meaning, others are created just for aesthetics.
Thanks for reading.
