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Delhi North | Culture

A CANVAS OF UNSPOKEN WORDS: THE JOY OF BEING A SPECTATOR OF ART

Arushi Sethi Student Contributor, University of Delhi - North Campus
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Delhi North chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

To me, art is more than just paintings on a canvas. There is a story that lives in every piece of art. A story that calls out my name, wanting to be heard. There is pleasure in trying to read through these unspoken words. What else is art if not expressions and words that intertwine to convey a meaning? It is the observer who fathoms the message – the message of the artist – in their unique way. A world of art is a world of emotions- different colors, tinges, and strokes dancing and weaving a tale. I believe, one of the places to experience such emotions is an art gallery. Yes. Every time I step into one, I always find myself strangely mesmerized, with eyes filled with awe. It’s the best feeling ever – the joy of being a spectator of art.

It feels like a moment of good fortune to be able to observe art and make an attempt to delve into the artist’s narrative. If you’ve ever experienced the true delight of beholding art, you have been fortunate enough. In an art gallery, you aren’t just a spectator; you become a part of the artist’s journey. I remember visiting an art gallery last month, with one of its sections devoted to children’s artworks. The walls of the section were a world in itself – a world of pure imagination. Unlike any other section in the art gallery, something was fascinating about this one. These works of children were like untamed thoughts splashed on a canvas. Children are unrestricted in their imagination – their works speak of the warmth of innocence and free thoughts. The experience of understanding an artist’s thoughts behind an art piece is surreal. For me, art is like a holy connection, a medium of profound communication between the artist and the spectator, a spectator who has a drive to explore, and an artist who has a story waiting to unfold. What fascinates me the most is how this communication runs across time and space. I might stand before a masterpiece created centuries ago, and still be able to connect with it. That’s the beauty of human experiences. Art stands as a testimony to our shared humanity. When we see art, we connect with the world on a deeper level.

Art is not just on the canvas; it’s in the hearts and souls of those who create and appreciate it. And right within this unspoken & unheard conversation between the spectator and the artist, lies solace. A balm for the soul. Art has a therapeutic effect on me – I go to art galleries to get healed. I seek refuge in the embrace of art. The artwork speaks to me in ways words cannot. They offer comfort, provoke introspection, and ignite a sense of wonder. There is peace in knowing that no matter what, art will always stand as a silent confidant. Forever by my side.

Arushi Sethi

Delhi North '24

Arushi Sethi is a passionate writer, poet, editor and content creator who finds meaning in words and the worlds they build. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Media Business Studies from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi. On the HerCampus blog, she enjoys writing on a spectrum of genres — from lifestyle and entertainment to wellness, culture, and fashion.

A former English Literature student at Hansraj College, Delhi University, Arushi has served as Content Editor for Willow – the journal of The English Society, Editor-in-Chief at Credence Foundation, and contributed to societies like Kavyanjali (Poetry Society) and Ostraca (Creative Writing Society). She has also written for Hans, the college magazine. Her experiences across multiple Model United Nations conferences, both as a journalist and a member of the Executive Board, have also nurtured her journalistic instincts.

Arushi constantly seeks new ways to express her passion for words. She finds joy in reading, writing, listening to music, singing, and playing the piano.