In the canvas of human existence, language has been our most potent tool for communication. We convey thoughts, emotions, and ideas through spoken, written, body, and sign language, forging connections and bridging gaps. Yet, there exists another form of communication that transcends words and unlocks the profound depths of the human experience – art. While it is something that took me a while to appreciate, I now stand in awe of the extraordinary power of art, for it speaks to our souls with an eloquence beyond compare.
Art, in its myriad forms, serves as a gateway to the unspoken recesses of the heart and mind. Whether it is a brushstroke across a canvas, a dance that weaves emotions into movement, or a melody that caresses the ears, each stroke, step, or note opens up new dimensions within us. It is an invitation to delve into the realm of emotions, where words fall short, and feelings find refuge. It’s an apparatus that allows us to deliver emotions and receive them. So many of the great artworks of history were driven by ingredients that makes us human; passion, love, sorrow, joy, and madness.
Van Gogh
Take Van Gogh for example, when he painted, he did not merely replicate what his eyes perceived. After all, his work during his time was considered unappealing and disgusting, so much so that out of ~ 2100 paintings he sold only one. Critics at that time failed to realize that Van Gogh was not merely painting, he was translating his emotions, dreams, and vulnerabilities onto the canvas. Each stroke of his brush was an impassioned outpouring of his innermost feelings, revealing the depths of his soul. Driven by an insatiable passion, he willingly danced with the shadows of starvation, sacrificing the comforts of physical well-being to immerse himself in the sheer delight of creating art. In a letter to his sister Wilhelmina, on September 8, 1889, Vincent writes “ I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say ‘he feels deeply, he feels tenderly”. It was his obsession and passion in the true sense of these words, rather than the finesse of his technique, why his canvases today weight millions.
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch, who painted the iconic “The scream” described in his diary a powerful moment when he felt overwhelmed by anxiety and sensed nature “shrieking” at him. He wrote, “I was walking along a path with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.”. He took these feelings and painted them in a timeless piece that depicts emotional turmoil that speaks to the human experience.
Art, Time, and Emotion
Art captures our emotional states in all forms, freezing them in time like treasured snapshots of existence. Cameras did not exist in our distant history, but they had art in the form of sculptures and paintings dating back thousands and thousands of years. It is as if they established a line of communication, albeit unidirectional, that breached time and space to tell us about their state of existence. The Tassili n’Ajjer rock art in present-day Algeria, dating back to approximately 6000 BC, includes depictions of human figures and animals, possibly hinting at emotions connected to rituals, hunting, or daily life experiences. The Lascaux Cave Paintings, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, China, and the Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs are just a few among the many exquisite artifacts that transport us through time and ignite our imaginations. These remarkable creations provide windows into the rich canvas of human history, allowing us to connect with ancient civilizations and appreciate the timeless beauty of their artistry. Such works also remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and triumphs, for every brushstroke carries the essence of shared experiences of its creator.
Art challenges us to envision realities beyond the confines of the ordinary, sparking innovation and curiosity in the human spirit beyond what the eye can see. Let us cherish and celebrate this timeless language of the heart, for it enriches our lives and uplifts humanity in ways that mere words could never fully express.
Image Credit: Redd F
