Art has always been a powerful source of change and beauty in the world. It has helped usher in revolutions and renaissances that have altered the course of history. As massive the effects of art have been on a grander scale, it all starts with us being individually influenced by it. I still vividly remember my first days when I discovered the beauty and introspection that artwork offered, and it changed me forever. I wish everyone can experience the transformative nature of art and how it can help you reveal parts of yourself that you never knew existed before.
To truly reveal yourself in art and let it take its course of self discovery, here are somethings you can try out:
- Go into a gallery or museum and pick a work of art and look at it. Don’t look at the label or caption first, as you want to have a perspective uninfluenced by anything. Observe how the artwork is displayed. Do you feel that the museum or gallery is allowing you to see the work at its best vantage point? Do you feel yourself connecting with that particular piece of art? Is that artwork telling a story that you relate to? Do you even like what is in front of you? Asking questions and understanding of what is happening can give you a greater appreciation and motivation to see further works by that artist. It also helps you with the contemplation in understanding the kind of artwork that speaks to you.
- Get yourself a blank piece of paper and any sort of colouring pencils or markers that you might have. Sit with yourself for a minute or two. Let your thoughts and emotions bubble up a bit, then channel all of it in using the colour pencils to draw whatever you desire. Forget about making beautiful or meaningful, it is just about being uninhibited and letting yourself go. Once you are able to do this, you will be able to confront conflicting emotions or thoughts that you might have repressed in the past, moreover, you end up producing affordable artwork.
- Art is not restricted to the canvas or a piece of paper. It transcends across mediums: gracing screens, the stage or even open spaces. One should try indulging in experiencing various art forms such as watching an art film or listening to a piece of music that you have not been exposed to before. The very nature of art is exploring what lies beyond the comfort zone and by consuming art that is presented in various forms, we open ourselves to new thoughts and ideas which only helps us grow and be introspective.
- The internet is a wonderful resource of information particularly when it comes to art, a realm notorious for its elitist gatekeepers. You can find incredible information on art history or contemporary art by a simple Youtube search. There are amazing OpenYale courses that one can take, in order to better interpret art and see how it connects to the human psyche. Therefore, make use of all this invaluable information that is just a click away to expand your horizons and enrich your life.
Discovering yourself through art is one of the most transformative experiences that we are offered in life. I hope that by trying out some of my suggestions, you will be opening up yourself to new ideas and thoughts that art can help portray. It is art’s very essence to express what is hidden and undiscovered and it is up to you to make use of it.
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