A Brief Guide To The Power Of Art

By Jaclyn Hurley


There are many different ways that a work of art can affect people. What someone can describe as powerful may be different for other people. What is true is that for almost anyone there will be some form of artwork that will affect their lives. Whether it is a painting, a sculpture or a performance the power of art is something that can be inspiring, uplifting and thought provoking.

An excellent example of a powerful artwork is the Sistine Chapel in Rome. This is something that took over a decade to complete. While the picture of Adam touching fingers with God is something that has been parodied for years the real thing is something truly beautiful.

What is clear when you see this piece is its power. Michelangelo is an artist who clearly puts passion into his work. The problem is that it is not easy to describe the effect of the piece if you have not seen it in person. Photographs can capture the detail but they do not really capture the feeling when you see it.

The idea of something being powerful is something that can be debated. In terms of films an image can often stay in your mind. Sometimes these powerful images can also be controversial such as the iconic Nazi propaganda piece Triumph of The Will or the DW Griffiths silent epic about the rise of the Ku Klux Klan The Birth of A Nation.

In the sixties this was taken further with artists such as Andy Warhol who used commercial methods in his artwork. The prints and works he created were a reaction to the advertising and consumerism that was happening in the post war era. Ironically his prints have since gone on to be much sought commodities and have often been copied and parodied since.

Another positive aspect of how art can be powerful is in how it can change lives. Art therapy is often used by therapists in order to help people express themselves. Often things that people can have difficulty saying in words can find it a lot to easier to communicate their feelings via art.

This is why art lessons in school are often positive. It gives children space to be creative. While learning techniques are important there is something to be said for giving people the space to be creative and feel confident that they can get engage with something and make something that they will be happy to share with people.

Ultimately the best way to engage in the debate about what type of art is powerful is to see as much as you can. You do not necessarily have to go to the Louvre or the Sistine Chapel. There are numerous exhibitions and pieces available all over the world. Use your regular search engine for more information and about artists and exhibitions in your local area.




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