In Defense of Beauty: A Rebellion Against the Absurd
Snehith,
As I reflect on the history of art, I’m struck by the dramatic shift that occurred in the way people perceive and appreciate art. Once revered for their creativity and skill, artists are now often seen as elitist and snobbish. What happened?
In the past, art was a celebration of human and natural beauty. Artists spent hours perfecting their craft, creating works that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful. However, with the advent of modern technology, traditional art skills became less valuable. Photography, for example, made it possible to capture realistic images with ease, rendering traditional portrait painting obsolete.
The response from the art world was to rebel against beauty and meaning. Modern art began to feature nonsensical scenes, poorly drawn figures, and deliberately deficient production. This shift was not just about pushing boundaries or challenging traditional norms; it was about rejecting the very principles that made art beautiful and meaningful in the first place.
As a result, art has become inaccessible to many people. Museums and galleries are often met with confusion and disdain, rather than admiration and appreciation. Art critics, meanwhile, continue to tout the symbolic meanings of deliberately nonsensical works, perpetuating a culture of pretension and snobbery.
But is this the only way forward for art? I don’t think so. While technology has certainly changed the game, it has also forced artists to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. There are still many talented artists producing outstanding works that showcase beauty, skill, and meaning.
In fact, some artists have found ways to harness the power of technology to create new and exciting forms of art. Abstract art, for example, continues to evolve and thrive, with artists constantly developing new techniques and styles.
Ultimately, the future of art is not about rejecting beauty and meaning but about embracing the possibilities of creativity and innovation. Whether through traditional mediums or modern technology, art has the power to inspire, uplift, and challenge us. Let’s not forget the joy of art, the thrill of discovery, and the beauty of human expression.