It is believed that the uniqueness of a work of art lies in the eye of the beholder. The way you interpret and observe art can create a meaning of its own. It might be your state of mind, the emotions you are going through. Basically, these factors create your perception. In my opinion, while artists narrate a story, an experience, we as the audience internalize it according to our own journey through life. Perhaps the only element that is needed to create a masterpiece is the ability to create art at all!

People view a creation of a work of art as only the bringing about of a new combination of elements in the medium. They must realise that it is also an expression of our thoughts, emotions, and desires and it’s about sharing the way we experience the world. The colours splattered on a canvas, words that you pour on a paper, a performance on stage or a melodious song, truly art is a way of grasping the world.

Image Credit: Self

There is a new philosophical paradigm within which we apply new creative thinking. According to this, artistry is engrained existentially within the mind and life through which singularity is replaced by multiplicity and simultaneity.

One school of thought emphasises that the quality of a piece of art is solely based on what is taken away by those who view it. For instance, there are some great works of art that inspire or move people. A beautiful painting, an engrossing book or even a melody that made you think and put you on a different state of mind. In reality beauty is the capacity of an art to evoke a pleasurable emotional response. Definitely, a work of art is that which asks a question which a non-art object does not. Likewise, a blank wall will not make you think like the way a canvas the artist has painted.

Elements of Design in your Art

The other school of thought strongly believes the presence of design element in a great piece of art. Essentially, it is that both art and design exist in relation to us. It’s a balance between space, form and spirit. Through subjective experience we infuse creative output with meaning.

Design is about the application of creativity to improve our experience. Both are creative. Both are expressive. Both engage in the exploration of aesthetics. The whole idea is that art is about personal expression, where the purpose and value of art are fully contained within the art itself. Design is about functionality. Its value is determined by external factors, namely the purpose that the design serves and the user that it benefits.

Hence, to create unique art of any kind, be it visual, performance applied or written – one must challenge reductive ways of thinking. An art contributes to this principle as it characterises a creative consciousness enabling inventive thinking. The point is that, in fact, when we look at ourselves, and our connection to an environment, we find that we have many paths to explore. These paths are all avenues of artistry, design and ultimately expression.

-Shruti Vij is an art enthusiast and a painter with a distinct individual style. She skillfully blends her artistry with fashion experience to unite her two passions.