This is an article “Art and Expression Through Time” by Marc Primo Warren
Before the digital age took the world by storm, men have communicated with various art forms that carry more authentic expressions than emojis can ever convey. And it is for that very reason why art is still so significant today. From paintings to interpretative dancing, we are able to communicate thoughts, ideas, and emotions without words effectively thanks to the magical history of artistic expression.
Over the course of human existence, visual art has transformed into more coherent forms that use the elements of color, light, and composition to relay social viewpoints that challenge our mental abilities and comprehension, while opening new gateways to our consciousness with their fresh concepts. In other words, art makes us think and it influences us to believe that what we are seeing is logical while altogether validating our ideas and emotions.
To give you an overview of how art has evolved through time, here are a few interesting insights that will further illuminate its wonders.
Ancient art
We all know that cavemen used hieroglyphics to communicate when it first appeared around 130,000 B.C. However, only a few knew how they used iron or manganese oxide to create color as the medium for those prehistoric paintings. Thanks to these primitive pigments and man’s innate drive to create art, scientists have been able to discover how plant and animal life was during that particular era, as well as how men lived by hunting or how their society behaved.
Needless to say, the first forms of art gave us a vivid portrayal of human history and as it transformed throughout the ages, we use them as references that tell us how man himself has also evolved.
For example, ancient pottery from thousands of years ago differs in terms of geography. In the East, Chinese Neolithic pottery were handmade and used bonfires with decorations marked via stamping techniques, while in the West during the Gravettian period, fired clay objects were used to create better quality ceramic art and sculpture. In these works of art are peeks into the lives of ancient men from both poles of the Earth and how they view certain aspects of society from politics to beauty.
Art in modern times
In today’s times, art has progressed into various forms including visual, applied, and performing arts. The visual form of paintings, drawings, or sketches have also taken on sub-types that capture man’s imagination in different ways. We laugh at politically driven caricature satires in broadsheets while tend to be emotional when we see a Van Gogh that’s displayed in the gallery.
Architecture has already integrated applied art for thousands of years but the element of functionality has never been more prominent in modern times as before. Interior design or furniture crafts are other examples of applied art which combines necessity with aesthetics that both give a piece its true value.
Then, there’s the performing arts wherein various types of ballet have emerged all over the world since the Italian Renaissance first introduced it during the 15th century. The French soon adapted it in the 16th Century and then became widespread in Russia during the 19th century. By 20th century, its contemporary form has become widespread all over the world including Asia.
Today, modern dance has also captivated nations since its introduction in Europe and the USA during the 19th century as a protest to classical ballet. Movements have been more polished and refined while choreographies have become more emotional and concise in their storytelling.
In conclusion, there’s always a history behind any known art form that will tell you how man has also transformed into a civilized being that is capable of reasoning and knows the value of beauty and idea when he reflects against his own life experiences. If you want to find out more about Marc Primo Warren our services or just say hi, please reach out here.