Most universal language 1/010

Have you ever thought of art as the most universal language? It is well known that art is humanity’s most essential, most universal language. Despite differences in speech, custom and lifestyles, people can readily enjoy and appreciate the art of other cultures. While art communicates its messages through visual images rather than through words, we use words to describe the images, reactions, sensations and feelings we have about object of art.

Imagine standing in front of a painting such as The Second of May, 1808 by the Spanish master Francisco Goya. A group of viewers think and talk in English about the horses, the fi gures, the action and perhaps the story behind the painting. The other visitors arrive and discuss these matters in French, Italian or Japanese. Although Goya only spoke Spanish, everyone can “read” his visual communication. The visual art is an exciting universal language to be seen, studied and understood by all.

Throughout Western art, one style has followed another, sometimes expanding on and sometimes reacting to previous periods. By following this progression through its various phases, contemporary movements, such as Neo-Expressionism or Abstraction, may be understood more easily.

Understanding what artists, past and present, are trying to communicate is an exciting process. Each artist has a different approach or vision. During some periods of history, the artist wanted to imitate nature; at others to make a personal statement. Both goals are valid. However, the aim of most artists is not to imitate things and nature but to interpret them and to make personal statement about their subjects.

There is a story about the French artist, Henri Matisse, who was in a gallery when some visitors were talking about his work which was on exhibit. A woman said about one of his paintings: “That girl’s arm is too long.” “Madame,” Matisse said, “that is not a girl. It is a painting.” Looking at the painting Red room, Matisse stated ambition: “What I want is an art of equilibrium, of purity and tranquility, free from unsetting or disturbing subjects, so that all those who work with their brains, and this includes businessmen as well as artists and writers, will look on it as something soothing, a kind of cerebral sedative as relaxing in its way as a comfortable armchair.” (Cole, B.; Gealt, A.: Art of the Western World)

By learning to understand what artists are trying to say, viewers will enjoy many kinds of works. The best way to learn the most universal language and to learn about art is to look at it and to notice the wide variety and types of expression - paintings, architecture, sculpture and crafts. It is always better to see the actual works and buildings, but often such a trips are impossible. Pictures will have to do the job.

Museums around the world are fi lled with objects called art. Hundreds of books and magazines are fi lled with pictures and descriptions of fascinating objects: paintings, buildings, drawings, pottery, sculptures, prints and other things we call art. And yet, some observers ask seriously, “What is so special about that chair, vase, painting or wood carving? Why is it called art?”

To be continued....

Radka Juříčková, Katedra cizích jazyků

Sources: Cole, B.; Gealt, A.: Art of the Western World Broomer, Gerald F.: Discovering Art History www.lib-art.com, www.abm-enterprises.net

Glossary:
essential-dokonalý
readily-ihned
contemporary movements-současné směry
Neo-Expressionism- neoexpresionismus
Abstraction- abstraktní umění
ambition- přání
equilibrium- vyváženost
purity- čistota
tranquility- klid
unsetting- nezapadající
disturbing- rušivý
soothing- utišující
cerebral- mozkový
sedative- uklidňující prostředek