Across eons, art has decorated humanity, inspiring extensive reformation, and rebellion across the globe. Art enlightens people to new perspectives of existence, frequently evoking passion and pain. It is a celebratory feat, demanding immense personal engagement and artistic skill. Additionally, art epitomizes passion, in the sense that it represents human dedication. Yet, art is not merely a representation of beauty, it also represents injustice and human tribulation over time. Art reflects the viewer’s internal interpretations of the world and does not abide by a singular definition, thus placing it at the forefront of misconception.
Classical art has had many different eras, but its central messages have remained the same over time. Primarily, art represents beauty, idealism, and passion. In this sense, art is believed to be a testament to our complex human spirit, explored through dramatic mythological scenes, or simple still-life portraits. When people are asked about art, most often the first image that comes to their mind is a simple depiction of beauty. In truth, art is more than the delicate portraits advertised on the surface. Art is also a laborious craft, depicting darkness and negativity in equal measure, which are crucial elements of human existence.
An illustration of art’s intensity is evident within Caravaggio’s work, an Italian painter renowned for his dramatic portrayals of different human scenes. His paintings range from depictions of historical events to religious disputes, which all implement chiaroscuro shades, meaning that the illuminated subjects are shrouded in darkness. The life and death of Caravaggio has been recognized as an extraordinary feat that was bound to have had great influence on his work, with his turbulent temper inducing his death at merely 38 years old. Initially, his artworks shocked the world and were interpreted as gruesome and distasteful. Resorting his artwork to such meager definitions caused misconceptions of the powerful messages he meant to evoke through his paintings. However, over time, his intense style was also considered beautiful. Caravaggio rejected standard interpretations of human emotion and instead created new perspectives of beauty. His intense paintings communicated raw truth rather than compliance with expectations for beauty, enabling him to conquer the misconceptions of beauty enforced during his time. One of his most famous works is the Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, which highlights the undefinable multitude of emotions experienced by Saint Ursula in her last moments. The juxtaposition of dramatic light shades and deep colors paint an evocative scene that serves as a representation of the subject’s apparent predicament. Over time, Caravaggio became a powerful figure in the art world, as he refused to conform to the demands of society and religion. He inspired numerous artistic movements, provoking others to explore various unconventional interpretations of beauty.
Another great misconception is that all variations of art are unrelated. In truth, every style of art, no matter how different, serves the same purpose. In contrast to Caravaggio’s dramatic scenes, Monet’s renowned peaceful water lilies collection also acts as more than a mere depiction of beauty, but also of fragility, fear, and desire. His colorful depiction of the water lilies symbolizes larger concepts in the real world and are used as tools for the artist to convey a message. The viewer interprets this as they wish, but the interpretation lives on in their mind.
Contemporary art has a similar purpose, instead using a combination of simplicity and modernity to create powerful mediums. Frank Stella, an Andover alum, and famous contemporary artist, uses colorful abstraction to illuminate geometric shapes in his paintings. One may interpret his work as a reference to emptiness and the psychological void, whilst another may see it as an illustration of peace through simplicity. Frank Stella himself may interpret it in total contrast to the different interpretations of the viewers. Nevertheless, his artwork has fulfilled its purpose, as it has generated new interpretations and considerations for the viewer to live with, which are independent of any prior misconceptions resting in their mind. Additionally, it has also enabled others to interpret beauty differently. It has used a visual medium to inspire the visceral perspectives of another human being, leaving a lasting impact on their perception of life.
The true purpose of art is to help the viewer redefine their perceptions and concepts similar to beauty. Just like literature, film or dance, art is meant to provoke you, and to challenge your perspective on life. It is intended to evoke new emotions and truths, which may be equally uncomfortable and inspiring. Art is a reinvention of beauty, and a solace from the universal restraint and misconceptions that we have imposed upon ourselves since the beginning of our existence. Art allows us to access the raw truths buried deep within our minds, often fearsome, and sometimes beautiful.
