The enjoyment of art, such as attending theater, art exhibitions or concerts used to be the sole privilege of high society and nobles for centuries. A mortal person had no opportunity to deal with art in the absence of free time and money. The discourse on it was one of the privileges of this distinguished layer, considered luxurious, the lust of the rich.
However, the 20th century clearly made a difference. Interpretation of arts has become increasingly popular and widespread both in schools and in public life. Exhibitions of museums and galleries have become more and more accessible for a wider audience. Discussion and opinion on art issues spread beyond villas and palaces to the world of ordinary people.
Yet still arises the question, whether art means luxury? Or do we seek it because we need it? Where is the border between the two?
Luxury, the surplus demand beyond our needs occurs when we do not specifically need something, but as we have the opportunity and we can afford it, we consume it. On the contrary, we might just need such sensory delights be it visual or audio as a basic need to keep us content, and be able to express our humanity in different forms beyond our mere physical existence.
We need to sustain our vital life functions by food, water, shelter, oxygen or even by relaxation. How about things beyond these? The real scale of human needs is much wider than merely satisfying our physical needs. Surely, everybody knows the Maslow pyramid where the lowest level represents safety and physiological needs as mentioned, then upwards there is demand for love and self-realization or even self-actualization.
How could we reach the top of our human potential without art then? Art gives us the means to discover the world while same time fully enables us to extend ourselves. A tool for creative expression and tapping beyond ordinary. Art satisfies our cognitive and aesthetic needs thus takes us to self-realization. Art is undoubtedly a necessity.
The question is not anymore whether we need it or not however in what scale and quality we choose to be art consumers?
Better not to deny the positive impact art has on you. Once in a while you can attend museums, art fairs or even surprise yourself or your loved ones with original piece of art. Reach out to artists who are there to show you a deeper interpretation on the world surrounding us. It surely helps to stretch your mind just as much as yoga helps to stretch your body.
Art is recreation. Enjoy it!
with love,
Art Bridge Team
