ART: A Unique Global Language ?

Asian Tsunami

Art is a form of communication that transcends borders, cultures and spoken languages

whether it is a painting hanging in a gallery or your own home or a piece of music or sculpture found anywhere in the world. It doesn't need to rely on vocabulary or grammar to show beauty or evoke emotion from the work. As a universal language it draws out shared feelings and experiences joy, love, sadness and grief, hope and fear these are emotions we all feel and understand.

An artist may choose to explain the inspiration behind the work however the interpretation of any work will be viewed differently by the onlooker sometimes enlightening even the artist!

A person living in London, Paris Rome or New York may never speak the others language but will recognise and respond to the emotions through a powerful work of Art or Music there fore becomes a bridge turning an individuals expression into a shared human conversation.

Most art is crafted with intention and can be deeply calculating . Every shape formed every series of colours chosen , line drawn and material used serves a purpose. the composition may guide the viewers eye towards a particular detail or focus making the work not only pleasing to look at but sending a message and shaping a response.

Careful planning or spontaneous or chaotic work is often the result of a deliberate choice.

This combination of emotion and calculation gives art immense power including the ability to shape history through image it has given voice to marginalised , documented struggles for freedom and criticised injustice.

Political art does not always shout but is depicted in murals showing the strength of communities and sculptures honouring those who fought for rights. They stir public feeling and build solidarity.

Art in paintings or pottery for example can be purely decorative as in intricate patterns or harmonious colours or it can be loud and angry, challenging and forceful. The beauty of art is in the diversity there is no single 'right way' to create or respond.

Most importantly every creation carries the artists story. Art invites us to see the world through the artists eyes, mind and heart.