This essay seeks to elucidate the functions of visual arts as the viewers perceive it, demystify the roles of the artist, and how artist perceive their art, to outline the phenomena of visual perception and demonstrate how the value of art is perceived. On that score, the essay discusses works of art by Suzanne Lacy, Alexander Calder and the 13th century artists who represented Buddha on wood. Visual arts are seen as a creative way of making people appreciate art, explaining difficult concepts of religion, showing skill, integrating creativity in public life and appraising artists.
Suzanne Lacy’s photograph brings out the importance of symbolism, real world and evokes feelings of intense appreciation of art. This is because of the environment of awe that the viewer sees in the photograph. It shows a group of visitors who are awestruck by the cultural practice of the local ethnic community to relax on the beaches as if they were restaurants. The arrangement first struck the viewer and he appreciates the artist, though indirectly, for bringing out this unique symbol of culture: whispers amid the tides. Therefore, viewers perceive the photograph as a combination of many aspects of culture, tourism and art. Unlike the private life, visual arts play an important role in public life.
The second piece of visual arts shows the role of artists in linking art and politics. Alexander Calder created the La Grand Vitesse. His piece of art was initially received with a lot of negative attitude because it made use of a “praying mantis”, a symbol that was not at home with many. Moreover, the government recognized the role of art in public places. As a result, public squares were considered one of the best places to demonstrate the art. The piece of art also illustrates that the art works done by local and unpopular artists could get public recognition. Further, through representation, it became possible for local symbols to be adopted as national aspects of pride, as seen in Alexander Calder’s art. It should also be mentioned that besides politics, visual arts also exemplifies people’s spirituality.
Visual arts play an important part in entrenching religious belief of people. This is well seen in the Buddha sculpture on page 33. This shows how art is valued in expressing what the human mind cannot effectively comprehend. Religious beliefs are some of the most difficult concepts to adopt since they cannot be proven empirically. To solve the human dilemma in fathoming how supreme beings looked like, Amitabha Budda was developed on a visual world. The way the deity is carved is a manifestation of purity, power and perfection. Therefore, it could be said that, through visual arts, it is possible to make the “unknown” more proximate to the human eye.
In conclusion, visual arts enhance the perception of the people and also increase their capacity to appreciate artists and their work. This was illustrated through the discussion of three pieces of art work: Amitabha Budda, La Grand Vitesse and Suzanne Lacy’s photograph. Through these pieces of art, it was made manifest that visual arts play an important role in symbolism, public life and spirituality.