What makes something beautiful? For hundreds of years people have tried to solve this mystery. Today, we seem closer than ever to answering that question. The words that define beauty, such as symmetry, golden ratios, and curves are reminiscent of middle school mathematics. We have even started identifying brain regions that response to beauty (amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, etc ). Science has painted a pretty picture of art: an aesthetic appeal created through the ion exchanges of a group of neurons. Yet, rarely has the scientist actually picked up a brush to paint a picture. It is not the aesthetic beauty that makes art beautiful, rather it is the story conveyed, whether purposeful or imaginary. Art is not meant to be "emotionally stimulation" as the scientist might say, rather it is emotionally moving. Tolstoy's definition of art sums it up best. His definition emphasizes the transmission of the human emotion as the essence of art. Art communicates with us, compelling us to feel some emotion. A couple of weeks ago, I had quite a artsy day. I went to first a friend's art studio and see another friend's violin recital. It was an interesting experience to say the least.
Hiro may be called a starving artist in every sense of the phrase; using the profits from his last sold piece to fund his next one. I was fortunate to see his latest, perhaps greatest piece: an approximately 12x12 ft mural. By seeing the work itself, you can tell it is quite a feat. However, the panels and cut outs are not what make it art, rather it is the story behind the piece. Many of Hiro's art reflects depression and sadness. These pieces are layered to reflect the complexity and deep effect of these emotions, which run down to our most inner being. His mural conveys the thin line between life and death, perhaps blurring the two together. The colors used all resemble the human form from veins and blood to the skin. The piece is infused with sections of the human body. And of course there is a little influence of "Mr. Superflat" Murakami Takashi, who's old studio is right next door. In total, the piece took four years, and tens of thousands of dollars. Hiro created and refined his own pigments from marsh reeds, which only grow at certain times of the year. He also carved the panels himself from special wood. Besides the physical work, his research on the human body was also very time consuming. It was a tough project, and obviously required a lot of dedication. However, seeing his artwork from the age of five made me realize that this is something he has always wanted to do. This is what makes him happy. A matter a fact, Hiro himself said, "What good are fancy cars, cheaper cars perform the same function." He is right, we do not need much to survive. After all, the line between life and death thin. And when death's comes knocking, these possessions will have no value.
Of course, it was not a gloom time. We spent most of the day eating okonomiyaki (my favorite food ever), and hearing about Hiro's many foreign adventures.
I love okonomiyaki
Hiro, the man
After a few hours, I headed to my friend, Ariel's violin recital. I had heard that she was a talented violinist, but I wanted to see for myself. Coming from a somewhat musical background (i.e. nine years of baritone), I was intrigued. In short, I was blown away. The recital was one of those "you had to be there. No, should of been there" moments. I can honestly said that I have never heard someone so talented at the violin. Music is powerful. As she played, I look around as saw the faces of people in attendance. You could see that people were emotionally moved. I too, found myself thinking of the past. I felt nostalgic about the days when I used to play an instrument, and consequently also thought of my childhood. I wonder what other people were thinking, or more accurately dreaming about... Mostly, I was awed, and felt privileged to hear such a performance. For me, it was not just the notes, or harmonious melody that made it art, rather it was the emotion evoked.
However, I do not think art is just for artists. Us "laypeople" do not merely have to appreciate art. We can make art everyday, and I do not mean drawing by the numbers. Whatever you do, put your heart is into it. Stir people's emotions, make them think. Live your life artistically: taking fine strokes and culminating it into a masterpiece. In this way, even after you pass away, your work will live on. Grinning at us, while making us think just like the Mona Lisa.
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