25.03.2024. » 12:28

OP - ED Art enriches the human being

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have engaged in various forms of art. Given the wide spectrum of human activity within the realm of art, there exist various definitions. It's challenging to find one definition that applies universally and unites all definitions of art into one.

Art holds tremendous significance for society and has a profound influence on shaping social consciousness, forming and characterizing social attitudes, thus directing social movements. Art knows no boundaries of time, centuries, or nationality. It aspires to enrich and inspire each individual, repeatedly.

Art has the power to penetrate the essence of our being, recognizable through the act of creation. Therefore, art represents the deepest understanding and the loftiest aspirations of its creator. For centuries, painters, musicians, architects, and inventors have woven their talents through their artistic works. We often hear the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words," and indeed, it is true. Many artistic works withstand centuries, styles, and trends. Art is everywhere around us, more accessible than ever yet less utilized. In the era of digitization and a fast-paced world, it is important to encourage young people to explore the realms of art and culture.

Art is inseparable from our personal development. Surely, within each of us, a song, a painting, a book, or a composition can evoke emotions. For an artist, the greatest reward is to evoke the emotion they intended to convey. There are books that change our perspective on life or paintings that inspire us to create something ourselves. Many works are created precisely inspired by other artistic pieces. Through their works, artists can make us experience happiness, sadness, nostalgia, and spiritually enrich us. The value of art is also reflected in transmitting culture, as well as educating and cultivating people. Art has given us the opportunity to learn about the lives of past civilizations, to present history, historical figures, their thoughts, aspirations, and to bequeath their works for future generations.

Artists infuse their ideas, desires, and feelings into their artistic works, influencing the listener and observer, and that is why art has made the greatest contribution to humanity, as it moves and makes us better.

With art, humans create new horizons, and it offers a plethora of new possibilities. Art is freedom, primal, something each of us aspires to. It behaves towards you as you allow it, leading you into a world of imagination, dreams, ideals, where you are always welcome, always a cherished guest. It has the power to cleanse the soul, break chains, cry, and laugh with you. It is a wonderful friend, understanding everything, asking no unnecessary questions, and listening.

There will always be a debate about what art is and what it is not, but regardless of what it represents, we must not allow art to cease living through us because it enriches our lives.

Milijana Mojsilović