Functions of Art
Sandro Botticelli. Primavera. Galleria Uffizi, Florence.
We admire art often without realising what the art helps us to achieve. Even in digital age, art certainly helps us to remember and keep the special moment close to our hearts.
Sometimes, we don’t really understand what an artwork is about, what is depicted and why. A visit to museum or a gallery prompts us to research more about the culture and ideas from the past time or unfamiliar environments, educating ourselves and enriching our experience.
Art can also be used to escape the tough reality and visualise the dreams. Think of the stunning serene renaissance paintings (such as the Botticelli’s masterpiece to the right) full of strikingly beautiful dancing ladies wrapped in feather-light delicate fabrics and compare this picture with the harsh reality the artist lived in when this painting was made.
Johannes Vermeer. Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window. Gemäldegalerie, Dresden.
In the meantime, art can help us to find the better balance of life. If you live in the middle of busting busy city, you are very likely to fill your flat with plants, wooden furniture, organically shaped ceramics or landscape paintings or prints depicting nature subconsciously trying to bring the outside greenery in.
Creative process is not only about channelling positive energy or escaping reality, it can be a medium to express our grief and sorrow. Such expression can be cathartic and help to release the tension and stress, which has been eating us from the inside. Observing deeply moving art work also helps us to relate to and empathise with others. Art helps us to better understand ourselves and improve our communication with others.
Art can bring appreciation of the daily ordinary life and elevate this experience to a masterpiece. A master of genre painting Johannes Vermeer depicts a young lady reading a letter next to the open window with a strong daylight caressing her face. Looking at this painting, we are wondering whom is this letter from, why is it so important for this young woman. Vermeer gives us some clues like apples (symbol of sin) in a fruit basket or a painting of cupid on the back wall, to hint on the fact that the letter could be from her secret lover.