History of Art – A Biography of Visions and Creative Thought

Art is a broad range of human activities which involve visual creativity, artistic perception, aesthetic sense, technical skill, or emotional strength to express social purpose, beauty, emotion, or other emotional or aesthetic thoughts. It is the combination of the elements of the visible and the invisible worlds and their interchangeability. The word “art” literally means “manner of putting together”. It includes theater, literature, music, spectacle, computer animation, and architecture.

There is an ongoing debate between those who see art as having a purpose and value independent of the audience and those who see art as having a message for the reader and his or her interpretation. This controversy has taken on new importance with the increasing presence and influence of the Internet. As technological advances allow people to share and communicate through visual art more easily, the debate between those who see art as having a meaning in itself and those who share that message but do not necessarily interpret it becomes more acute.

Today we are often encouraged to use art to interpret the world around us and to engage in meaningful communication. Art is frequently used in the therapy of trauma and negative emotions, and even pain management. Art is not a passive form of expression, but rather is active and responsive. In essence, art is a highly developed medium with multiple potentials and purposes.