In the realm of art, we encounter a convergence of emotions and moments, a dynamic connection between artist, subject, and viewer. Each creation, whether a canvas created from the mind or a photograph captured in time, represents a static moment in the artist's journey, a snapshot of their connection with the subject. But the true essence of art unfolds in the dynamic moments that follow, as the artwork and viewer interact, evoking a unique symphony of emotions and associations.
For each viewer, the encounter with art is a personal journey, shaped by their current state of mind, emotions, and life experiences. The artwork becomes a connecting point into their inner world, eliciting a range of feelings that may be subtle or profound. These emotions are not static; they ebb and flow, shifting and transforming over time as the viewer's perspectives evolve, and through each encounter with the artwork.
Often, attention is placed on the type of art, genre, or medium, however, I feel this attention is somewhat misplaced. Ultimately, art isn’t about what’s in front of us, but what’s inside us. It isn’t about what we see, but what we feel. Whether the artwork is a landscape or abstract, painting or photograph, is ultimately unimportant. By extension, perhaps the most irrelevant question in art is, “What is it?” The true significance lies in the emotional connection it sparks within the viewer.
Similarly, while more relevant, though just as flawed is the question, “How does it make you feel?” While art is all about emotion and what we feel, it may often transcend beyond words. Often, art can only be explained by saying, “I don’t know why, but I like it/don’t like it.”
As an artist or photographer, I can only create or capture something in the moment that connects with me on an emotional and creative level. But after that, it’s not about me, what I saw or even felt. It’s about the viewer, their story, their moment, and their connection, or lack thereof, with the art. In this shared experience, art transcends individual boundaries, uniting us through the artwork in emotions and moments.
