An Open Letter On Art

A word of encouragement for the somewhat curious (and perhaps, even the critical). Alternatively, an open letter. 

Oh, dear. 

I worry that some are too quick to misplace art in a realm completely different from education. As if they have little to no room for one another. When in fact, I believe, they are perfectly aligned. Intertwined!

When we look at a theory or a case, we are asked to analyze and discuss. Every single time we look at an art piece, or are placed in it, and experience it, we do exactly those two things: analyze (“what does it mean? What is the purpose?”) and discuss (with the friend or stranger who stopped to stare with you, or with our inner voices). 

Albeit, in our experience of education we tend to be more present. In the sense that teachers and our need for success demand our attention, so we consciously analyze and discuss. Whereas with art, you might be staring at an elephant or monkey in their shifting eyes and not even realize that your experience of the piece, however brief, is a documentation of what you feel; a conversation between the artist and you - just like one between yourself and your professor - that you might not even realize that you’ve had.

I think art is brilliant; and because it’s brilliant, I think it’s a shame that the role and purpose of art within our school might be misjudged. No matter its form, we shouldn’t expect art to conform; no matter how much it might dare to challenge our sensitive and overly standardized norms. 

The world is fluid, dramatic and strange. As such, I don’t think we should find it strange or unnecessary, as students of the world, to be surrounded by art that is fascinating, dynamic and wide in range. 

This is not a list of instructions. Rather, as the title suggests, a word of encouragement. To explore, discuss and discover - to learn. If a piece of art catches your eye, please don’t dismiss it as a distraction. Try to experience it. Try. Was it the colors? The sound? The shape? The texture? Or simply perhaps the fact that it’s new (and shiny) – because even if it’s been there for years or months or hours, seeing you walking past; you only just noticed it. Now that you have: What is it that you see? 

And when you realize what you see: Why? For example: skin. Generally speaking, have you ever wondered why we are so quick to objectify and sexualize one of the few things we all undoubtedly share - skin and bones? Especially when it belongs to a stranger, and that stranger’s a woman. Well? Would you ever consider such questions, deeply, if it weren’t for a short film on a small screen? Oh, well.  

Moving on. How does it make you feel? Are you happy or sad? Somewhere in between, or somewhere far beyond? Or nowhere at all. Whatever your location, do you intend to stay? If so, is there anything left to learn? If not, where would you like to go instead? What does a frog unable to leap have to say about your sense of accomplishment? If you’re not a determined toad, would you prefer colored pencils in the wall? What’s your cup of tea? Structure, a cowboy, the awkward, the detailed, chaos, or the (un)natural? 

All or none of the above? 

Focus, focus, focus! Can you look away? Is it so terrible if you can’t? The piece will remain. The video will loop. Just stay here. Explore. It’ll all be over soon - but it also need never end. 

The art - a form of expression. You - a vector for thought and emotion. The relation between the two (yourself and the art) - a malleable matter of fact. 

Before you’re so quick to dismiss, consider what you might have missed. Allow the art to speak for itself, without forgetting that it requires your own, personal, translation. Subconsciously or consciously, you’ve participated in a discussion. An analysis. Intricate? Well, that’s for you to decide. Straightforward? Perhaps, if there is such a thing. 

Each piece carries something. A predefined, distinct purpose or intention may not always be present, but as long as you are - present, that is - however you decide to experience art will always prove reflective and insightful (I think). Even when you have nothing to say, maybe that silence does in fact ‘speak volumes’. 

‘Why? What? Who? When? Where? How?’ Classics. So simple! Basic, useful tools. And so, before you’re so quick to retire a stream of thought inspired by any art piece, I encourage you to employ your imagination and feed your curiosity. 

The art - a form of expression. You - a vector for thought and emotion. The relation between the two (yourself and the art) - a malleable matter of fact.