Photo of the week: The art of the matter

The child sees the same pictures that the man sees on the walls. Yet both may have varied responses to them. So what is art all about? And how do individuals appreciate the various forms of art?

Nikalank Jain, a Dubai-based artist, says: “Art is an aesthetic expression of an idea ... An art gallery with a running exhibition is a physical representation of the artist's soul. This way, you get to learn a lot about him or her.''

So how can one really appreciate art? “A lot of people confuse art appreciation with their sensory preferences.

I think before someone can relate to a painting, sculpture, music or any other form of art, he needs to explore his own mind. All works of art speak volumes of the time the artist spent on them. So I feel you have to spend some time with a piece of art to understand what it's all about.''

According to Jain, the three most important elements of art are ideas, sensitivity and freedom of expression. “What we see, feel and hear is just a consequence of a combination of these three,'' he adds. “Our mind is the biggest resource of these elements and life is the exhibition of works of art.''

Every artist has his own approach. “His style should do justice to what he stands for and what has been expressed on the canvas or any other form of art,'' he says. “Every analysis of art is subjective as US cartoonist Scott Adams once said, ‘Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes and art is knowing which ones to keep'.''

To appreciate art, Jain says, you need to keep an open mind, try your hand at a form of art and interact with the artist.
“You must frequent a lot of exhibitions, go to music concerts, watch theatre and read a little bit of art history as well.''