World Art Day

“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”- Michelangelo. It is often said that art of itself is a language. The artist is able to communicate with his or her brush a myriad of messages and meanings. The visual language is as much misunderstood as it is understood. Nevertheless art is beautiful. Each year, on 15 April, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that World Art Day is an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. Art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue. These are qualities that art has always had, and will always have if we continue to support environments where artists and artistic freedom are promoted and protected. In this way, furthering the development of art also furthers our means to achieve a free and peaceful world. From time immemorial art has captivated the eyes of humanity. Of course there is also a social class association of art, given that masterpieces can only be afforded by the extremely wealthy of the world. Many important art pieces sit in private galleries all across the world. On the other hand, how many of us have visited the national gallery in our own country? Art is often done in the abstract and as Leonardo da Vinci says, the artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of. It was the Spanish painter Joan Miro who combined abstract art with Surrealism who once said, a simple line painted with the brush can lead to freedom and happiness. Can you imagine a world without art?

Perhaps the time has come for policy makers to reenergize art education in Jamaica’s education system. Many parents are still of the view that art is a waste of time and as such discourage their children from pursuing interest in doing art. We need a renewal and appreciation for art. There is an urgent need for us to share culture and encourage creativity in all its forms. In times of war as the world is currently experiencing art has a special role in speaking to the aggressors for peace. It is perhaps no accident that World Art Day is commemorated during the Easter holiday. Many of us might have seen the beautiful masterpiece of the “Last Supper” painted by Leonardo da Vinci. The Last Supper is one of the most celebrated and famous paintings in the world which depicts the moment Christ tells his twelve Disciples that one of them will betray the Son of God. This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498. Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper", is a huge painting of 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide was made with tempera and oil on a gypsum preparation instead of the technique commonly used in the fresco period. The power of art to unite is especially important during the current climate of war and hostilities including the novel coronavirus pandemic. Let us utilize art to close the rifts which have developed over the years between cultures and civilizations. Happy World Art Day. In the words of Aristotle, the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldArtDay #ShareCulture #TheLastSupper