An Invitation to a Solo Art Exhibit

For most people who are not really into arts, an art exhibit will probably be the farthest idea for an afternoon leisure activity.  Art is often seen as an impractical endeavor, done merely to be looked at and beautify an empty space.  For artists however, their work is often the visual representation of what they believe can move people through aesthetics.

Forms of Art

Visual art encompasses a whole range of activities aside from painting which is probably the most popular form. The other forms include sculpture, photography, and mixed media, among others.  Artists are no longer limited by choice of materials nor expectations in finished products.  The common factor among artists and their works is the intent to explore humanity mainly through connection to emotions.

Art has been historically associated with the rich and upper-class people of society.  Since an art piece is not considered an essential element in everyday living, owning one is associated with luxury thus the obvious connection to wealth.  Even with the purposeful effort to “bring down” art to the masses, it continues to be an important marker of affluence and social status.

Importance of Art

In the subject of beauty, art always comes first to mind.  It often derives inspiration from natural beauty and inspires as well for the creation of other works of beauty.  Art encourages people to use their imagination either to imitate life or recreate an alternative.  It serves as an outlet for personal interpretations of various truths happening all over.

Works of art can serve to trigger discussions especially if such were intended to make a political statement.  It can also serve as a reminder of a past period in time.  Primarily however, art encourages appreciation for the finer side of life, something all humans need at some point in time.

Art Venues

The public gains access to works of artists through art exhibitions or exhibits.  Typical art exhibition venues include museums, art clubs, and private galleries.  Several locations not typically used for the purpose are now being utilized in an effort to bring art closer to the public.  This is not always possible for every exhibit since some are naturally more sensitive to environmental factors.

Art exhibitions are usually temporary in nature except when designated as permanent ones by a specific venue. This gives artists an opportunity to mount their own solo art shows even without their own showcase venues. The first solo art exhibition was mounted in 1785 by Joseph Wright of Derby, Britain.

Art Exhibitions

Art exhibitions can either be commercial or non-commercial in nature.  Non-commercial exhibitions contain works of art that are solely intended for the appreciation of the public and are not for sale.  Commercial exhibitions specifically display works of art that can be purchased by interested clients.

Commercial galleries usually mount shows for artists in groups.  Solo art shows follow once the artists gain respectable following.  A solo show is backed up by extensive publicity.  Once recognition is provided by critics and collectors, there is a great possibility that the artist’s works will end up in museum collections to be displayed on a permanent basis.

My Say

True appreciation for art does not happen overnight.  It comes with pursuing cultural education without need for formal study.  Art galleries can be appropriate classrooms for learning since they contain the very subject of study.

A person’s lifestyle should allow for trips to art venues regardless of location and art form. There is no art taste better than another, only personal art preferences.   Openness is the key to more learning and better art appreciation.

Orasang Pilipino

One of the works featured in Orasang Pilipino Exhibit by William A. Gaudinez (Source: BenCab Museum Facebook Page)