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Art is one of the oldest forms of human expression by which human beings have striven to make sense of the world around them.
It can be traced back to the early cave paintings, unearthed in caves in Lascaux, France, and from then up to the present day, has assumed a myriad of forms which still continue to delight, inform, confuse and inspire people.
Art plays upon human emotions, often affecting them to a very strong degree. It is based upon aesthetic appreciation and sensual stimulation, often stirring the imagination to such an extent that the viewer is deeply moved by the whole experience.
Art can operate on a variety of different levels, which includes the following:
a. communication: the presentation of the artist's own ideas about the
world to an audience. How does he/she view the world, what are
his/her opinions and feelings?
b. political statement: art can be used to take a stand on a contentious
issue or as a vehicle of social change. Very often, the aim is to try
and change certain attitudes towards a more favourable state.
c. entertainment ; it can be used to amuse, provoke and relax.
Whatever the reason, art can take on a myriad of forms as an agent of personal expression. This includes drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and performance. Within these are a range of genres or styles. For example, classicism, impressionism, abstract expressionism, cubism, pop art and conceptual art.
It is also influenced by our technologically driven society as can be seen in various digital artworks, interactive installations and Internet art.
Whatever the medium, the drive to make art is still an essential part of human nature.