byVikash Kalra
Let’s start by differentiating between two things:
1) the object, and 2) the action.
In my opinion, it is the action, not the object itself that is “art.” Art objects are a necessary manifestation of any creative act with a specific, exploratory intention.
For the artist, the work that is created—whether music, text, sculpture, happening, drawing or painting (just to mention a few outlets)—are stages on the way to reach deeper insight into oneself or the surrounding world.
Our creative acts are always in relation to something—and when the action has reached a certain stage where we can go no further with that specific piece we stop, discard it and move on, hopefully doing even better next time. . .
Art objects are a reflection, a manifestation of a certain mindstate. By contemplating other artists’ work we gain a fresh insight into something different, something new and refreshing—whether through contrast or harmony with our own ideas and worldviews.
With our own work we gain a specific and particular kind of freedom: we free ourselves from the superficial way of observing events and objects and relations and can let our mind expand. It helps us in our quest to grow as humans.
Why am I an artist? I have tried NOT to be an artist but the urge to create seems to come creeping up on me. I cannot see any other way to manifest and explore the things I read, study, experience and dream about. . . so artist I must be.
It takes a lot of dedication and frustration and discipline and perseverance and hard work and even kindness to oneself and others—and patience, loads of it!
But when it works and I finally crack the code; when I move forward on something I stumbled on by accident, or gain a new insight, I get filled with an incredible energy and happiness. . . and those moments make it all worthwhile.
Describing what art is, is like describing what air is: it’s just as intangible.
But the difference with art is that it’s also very subjective. . . so it truly IS something different to everyone.
One theory says that art is the outward expression of deep emotions felt by the artist. Most definitely this is true. But here’s an added wrinkle:
When an artist creates a work of art they are expressing their feelings at the moment, or about that certain subject.
But then. . . the viewer gets to interpret those feelings in their own way. Those deep, dark reds that the artist used to express their angst? They may symbolize passion and exuberance to the art patron.
The piece can take on a whole new meaning once viewed by another set of eyes and screened through another set of life experiences.
Just as there is no “right” or “wrong” in producing art, there is no single definition of art that can be presented which neatly sums up art in its entirety. If you ask ten people “what is art?” you will get ten different, equally valid answers.
Luckily, like air, there is enough art to go around—everyone can get what they need. Just relax, open up and take it all in.
Vikash Kalra is a self-taught artist and writer based in New Delhi whose work has been exhibited across India and is held in several private and corporate collections.