If you know me, you know I love art.
I mean who doesn’t? Even though people might claim to dislike it, I don’t think that it is possible. Hating art translates to hating being human.
When I see art, I get to be delighted. Because of art, I can enjoy watching silly rom-coms with my friends. I can beg people to watch my movie favorites like Spider-Man, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Avatar. I can decorate my room with paintings from street artists I found in Spain. We can dance around the living room giggling while taking photos, laughing at the candid shots that look like they could be album covers.
When I see art, I get to feel. Because of art, there is a sadness that consumes me when I realize a tune mirrors my exact mood. When I play songs by Noah Kahan, Sienna Spiro, and sombr, I can scream in anger even if I haven’t experienced a breakup or loss. I tear up when I watch We Were Liars even though I know the ending every time.
When I see art, I get to relate. Because of art, there is a gut-punch of familiarity when the lyrics come out of the artist’s tongue so perfectly. I can watch Little Women, understanding sisterhood and how it is beautifully written. I can see myself in photographs that cover Pinterest even if I’m not the one modeling.
When I see art, I get to listen. Because of art, I can read thousands of books and articles, all coming from different perspectives and authors. I can take a while to process a heartache in photographs from history. We can allow people to speak without saying a word, but by dragging a brush against a large canvas or extending an arm throughout their body on stage.
When I focus on art, I get to appreciate. Because of art, I can visit churches in Europe and be left speechless at all the intricate architecture. I can pause in the Sistine Chapel, in awe of all the hard work by Michelangelo. I can watch all aspects—stage sets, lights, sounds, costumes, acting, dancing, voices—of a performance uniting as I sit admiring the production of The Outsiders live. I can walk into a room full of exhibitions bursting with talent by young students. I can sit in an auditorium watching dancers swirling, leaping, and moving swiftly across the stage with their partners.
When I see art, I see heart and soul.
Art entertains and inspires us. It allows us to feel every emotion. It helps us to understand, listen, and accept others. It connects people, culture, communities, and timelines. It lets us be human.
Humans make art, but they are also made of art.
Art carefully creates our souls; every medium of art is needed in our otherwise bland lives. Every dance performance, musical tune, song, theater production, painting, drawing, statue, photograph, building, poem, book, piece of literature, decoration, fashion statement, and so much more is a necessity.
Without art, who even are we?