Art is as ancient as civilization itself, with the oldest Indian art form – the Bhimbetka cave paintings, being around 30,000 years old. Throughout history, art has benefitted early humans by aiding in communication, education and cooperation. It has also helped us accurately reflect on past society by evoking moments of the bygone eras and traditional Indian art forms through visual stimulus. Our most notable art forms, such as the Indus Valley Art of 2nd century BC, Chola art of the medieval times, and the Mughal paintings from the 15th to 19th Century, are all steeped in a rich layer of cultural heritage that mirror their times.
How art evolves with time?
Indeed, the power of the paintbrush is one to be reckoned with – equivalent to hand drawn paintings & other Indian artworks. Well, how did these multitudes of art forms evolve? It started with 5 basic elements – line, shape, colour, texture and space. But with time, artists realized that art must also reflect quality, detailing and inherent meaning. And, thus began the birth of new styles of art – the evolution of modern art. Representational art, such as the painting of fruits or pretty flowers, is merely for visual appeal that doesn’t go any deeper.
But some art forms, like contemporary paintings or expressionism paintings, tell a story by provoking specific emotions, while others make a statement. And some may act as metaphors, featuring multiple meanings that don’t always meet the eye.
Why does art change over time?
The most important influence on art is society itself. Just like human beliefs, art changes over time. Being an archive of society’s collective memory, its movement shifts with the artists who bring them to life. And besides the medium or emotions evoked, history adds its own layer of mystique. The era, societal beliefs, perspectives, emotional states, current events, religion and politics play a role in the art’s direction. Hence, when we inspect art and scrutinize its details, we rewind time and experience a different period.
How has art shaped the modern world?
Today, art is being bought and sold at auctions around the globe through art galleries online and offline. And as part of the globalizing world, it acts as a representation of our unique cultures and individual tastes. Having made its way into our hearts and homes, it is now an everyday encounter, whether through painting, photograph, film, play or song. It has inspired us and motivated us, reminding us of what’s possible and what we’re capable of as a species. It has made us more human, and it has made our homes more human.
And thus, it is worthwhile for us as individuals to invest in art, something that will forever stand the test of time!
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