Many people would argue that art ís a form of culture. Other would argue that they are two different things. But, in my point of view, they are two forms of expression that have developed in a parallel manner, and as such, are linked.
Art consists of the faculty of being able to communicate your feelings to others through the use of external signs; and in particular to realize and manifest through the perceptible. In other words, art is the sensitive manner, linked to our senses, that people have to express our feelings aesthetically.
Regarding the concept of culture, it is very difficukt to establish a single meaning since it varies depending on the context, the academic area and the historical moment. However, in this specific case, we will define “culture” as the set of customs, practices, rituals and norms of behavior that create a social fabric in a specific population group.
How are art and culture related?
We could say that art is an alternative and beautiful way to express and understand life, for ourselves and those around us. And culture is the environment in which different artistic expressions develop. So, what is the importance of art and culture in society?
Art allows us to communicate our culture, by this meaning, our convictions, ideology and ways of thinking, which identify us as individuals and as a social group. The key to art in this communicative process is the use of symbols, techniques and materials, applying creativity.
If we understand art as the representation of the creativity, sensitivity and ingenuity development, we could state that, without art or without artistic expressions, human beings would be diminished in some way. We would not project the good and bad that we have inside of us.
The language of art
It is expressed through sounds, colors, shapes, lines, and images, sometimes says more than words. When people are constantly exposed to artistic expressions, they tend to develop an aesthetic preference. By cultivating our personal aesthetics, we are motivated to grow and learn more.
It is important to understand that art is one of the most special forms of expression we have. From the first inhabitants, we have witnessed the creative capacity of humans.
Art implies music, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture, amongst others. All expressions that make our head spin and a reaction from us, reaction that can be negative or positive.
The way in which we perceive things is greatly affected by prejudice, attitude and emotions, factors closely related to culture.
Then the structure of our thinking is determined, and in return, it influences our perceptions. Ideas rooted in the mind influence the way we see people and how we react to certain situations.
It should be emphasized that culture gives us an identity and helps us to shape character. The shared values through the community or social group in which we are, give us a sense of belonging. In all facets of life it is important to recognize cultural differences.
As a result of the migration of families from one country to another, we live in a multicultural society. Due to this, we are exposed to people who have different ways of thinking, of expressing themselves, of reacting to the same event. There are different cultural, educational and social behavior backgrounds that enrich our societies.
Culture is a common phenomenon to all. However, culture also differentiates us since each social group builds its own cultural representations according to their preferences, their interests, their fears, their concerns.
In conclusion
Each of us feels represented by a group of traditions, elements, ways of thinking, ways of acting that are part of society or the social group in which we develop our daily life and that give us an idea of belonging.
Having stated the above, it is valid to state that culture is what gives us identity and that is why we must promote, as a society, the strengthening of art as a key element of our culture, this includes guaranteeing that minorities have access to it.
In conclusion, we can say that culture and art are intimately linked, and have enormous value for our lives as a social group and as individuals. Both have been key to achieving the evolution of societies, and will continue to be for the future. Despite being of of the many ways we have to transmit information sometimes we do not give it all the credit it deserves.
