When analyzing visual art there are many different ways to interpret a painting, sculpture, or work of architecture. Often we think that art should convey factual knowledge about when a piece of art was made and the context it was created. The film “How Art Made the world: More Human than Human” helps explain the concept of beauty in art and how the world’s idea of beauty has changed. We may also think that the role of art is to discover meaning within a visual image and explore how we respond emotionally to them. Form and content should contain a message. However, there is no true definition of art. Yet the most recognized one is, “Visual art is human expression in a visual form.” (South).
This rule states that a pleasing composition should have a major element on each third of the surface. This rule is similar to Leonardo Da Vinci’s rule of proportions. Mathematically Da Vinci divided the human body up to determine the most aesthetically pleasing proportions. Mathematics may be one way to go to determine is a piece is a work of art but it should not be a driving force, after all expression and emotion is at the heart of true art. Some artist over emphasize or under emphasize different body parts usually in an attempt to convey information.
Aesthetic beauty also seems to be the farthest thing from the mind of some artists. Some feel that the “ugliness” of some visual art relates to the “ugliness” of life. This is another integral characteristic of contemporary art, as opposed to art of the past; beauty is of little concern instead endeavoring to focus on harsh realities of social discord. Throwing away all rules of aesthetics is now common place in art movements such as Dada. Some periods strived towards idealized beauty but as art evolved so did what people felt was beautiful (how art made). For example, primitive art was often coarse representation of the human body, typically associated with organic shapes. Around 1000 years ago the interest in religious art impacted the representation of the human body with exaggerated necks and flattened figures. Around 100 years ago interest in naturalism caused artist to strive to represent the human body as accurately as possible. And more recently the human body is used as a representative object to explain a more complex idea.
Nude figures have been prevalent every sine art has come about, but what is perhaps more intriguing is how differently artists can depict the human body! All are unique and every work of art takes on different meanings and style. It is quite amazing to see how seemingly similar figures can take on a life of all their own through the vision of the artist (how art made).
When I think of an example of a painting that depicts the utter beauty of the human body, Sandro Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” comes to mind. This painting born during the height of the Renaissance depicts the classical myth of the goddess Venus being born from the water. This ideal beauty is shown arising from a clam shell, surrounded by beautiful almost golden angels. Her slender, graceful figure is bathed in heavenly light. Although the viewer’s eye cannot help but focus on Venus whose pose and elongated body is one of gracefulness and innocence. In this work of art, Venus is seen as a symbol of mystery and beauty. In both Pagan and Christian love for beauty, “The Birth of Venus” is a wonderful example of how a nude figure’s body can be idealized to bring the painting’s meaning across to the viewer. The name of Venus is often a nude because she symbolizes love and passion (how art made).
Works Cited:
-, -. (Director). (0). How Art Made the world: More Human than Human [Documentary]. -: -.
Senie, H, and S Webster. Critical Issues in Public Art: Content, Context, and Controversy. HarperCollinsPublishers, 1992. 1-50.
South, H. "What is Art." . N.p.. Web. 26 Nov 2012. <http://drawsketch.about.com/od/drawingglossary/g/What-Is-Art.htm>.
Wallach, A. "ART; Is It Art? Is It Good? And Who Says So?." Arts and Leisure Desk. NYT, 1997
