Garden Of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art

“The mind of the painter must resemble a mirror, which always takes the colour of the object it reflects and is completely occupied by the images of as many objects as are in front of it.”- Leonardo da Vinci. Perhaps, you are like me. The fact is I could not even draw stick objects. Yes, it was that bad. However, as one gets older one tendd to appreciate art much more, especially given the role art plays in keeping us balanced. Art plays a very important role in our lives, whether we realize it or not. It promotes creativity, diversity, and innovation, and encourages people to start conversations about their interests and share knowledge with each other, opening horizons, and making us look at things in different ways. World Art Day is observed on April 15, the birthday of the famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci. This day was established by the International Association of Art, to raise worldwide attention to the work of international artists, and the ways of creative expression that exist. The theme of World Art Day 2024 is 'A Garden Of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art. This World Art Day is a timely reminder that art can unite and connect us even in the most difficult of circumstances. The International Association of Art (IAA) founded World Art Day on April 15, 2012, after a proposition was put forward during their 17th General Assembly. The first official World Art Day celebration in the United States was held in Los Angeles, in 2015, where commemorations have been held ever since. Unfortunately, over the years art has been stigmatized. Many parents are not enthused regarding their children enrolling in an art programme of study. Additionally, art is often frowned upon as a legitimate area of rehabilitation. Art therapy is a tool therapists use to help patients interpret, express, and resolve their emotions and thoughts. Patients work with an art therapist to explore their emotions, understand conflicts or feelings that are causing them distress, and use art to help them find resolutions to those issues. Art therapy as a discipline began in the 1940s and became more widespread in the 1970s. Women in Art. Throughout the centuries, women have been involved in making art, whether as creators and innovators of new forms of artistic expression, patrons, collectors, sources of inspiration, or significant contributors as art historians and critics. Yet, throughout the history of art, women have often been represented as a subject rather than the creative force behind the artwork. During the late 1960s and 1970s, women in the United States mobilized to demand gender equality in their civic, educational, home, and professional lives. The women’s movement was part of a climate of social activism and questioning inspired by the civil rights movement and, later, by protests against the Vietnam War. The social activism of the period extended to the art world, as female artists began to confront and defy long-standing biases and traditional gender roles that had limited their careers. Women in the art world were galvanized by a now-famous 1971 essay, “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?” by Linda Nochlin. She argued that the real issue was not that there were no great women artists, but rather that they were historically invisible, unknown, and fewer in number than men because of systematic obstruction to education, patronage, and opportunities to exhibit art. Female artists are now finally gaining recognition and as a result, we are seeing a rise in the number of women represented by galleries and offered at auction. We are now at a juncture in history where the widespread recognition of female artists continue to fuel an added interest in areas such as gender equality, feminism, women’s empowerment and reproductive rights. How to Celebrate World Art Day. There are numerous activities to engage in this World Art Day. Join an art class. Many of us have artistic hobbies, so why not do it too? If you have an interest in drawing, pottery, photography, or any other art forms, joining a class is a great way to better your skills and get to know others that share your interest. Why not visit a museum or a gallery? Nothing makes us appreciate art like seeing some real masterpieces up close and in person. Get inspired by paying a visit to your local museum. Here is a fun activity, host a World Art Day party. Encourage friends and family to use their creativity to make something, and hold an art competition to pick the best artist out of all the participants. For those of us with disposable incomes you should consider beginning your art collection. Art collection is not only for the mega-rich among us. Last but by no means least, you can post quotes of famous artists on your social media platforms to observe this significant day. In the words of Carmen Lomas Garza, art is not a privilege, it's a right. It's a fundamental part of being human. 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