Art, Culture and History - Essay Example

Architecture, the visual arts, literature… you will find a trace of history and culture in these art forms.

Art is an expression of the various aspects of the human experience. And since it does carry the viewpoint of the artist, art forms reflect the artists’ perception of things, and more often than not, they prove to be really imaginative.

Art as a component of culture and history is a rather interesting idea. In the various art forms that there are, I find architecture the most reflective. When you visit a place, you could easily tell something about it by simply referring to its structures. Landmarks mirror the richness of the past, and as in the case of New York, the conflict in the current times would center on either to modernize to conserve or preserve. I think this is a question more of goals and values, on the basis of social and political circumstances. There is something more important than aesthetic value, and for me, it is the historical context of these structures, behind their facets and facades.

The visual arts may be the most popular art that there is, perhaps because it encompasses a range of types. Of these types, paintings are undoubtedly the most common. Thus, it could also be inferred that these art forms provide a wide variety of ideas. In contemporary times, much has changed in the style and technique employed by the artists. This allowed for innovation in artistic production, as demonstrated by Pam Hall’s array of out-of-the-ordinary pieces.

Pam Hall’s pieces are extraordinary in that these art forms are not the conventional types. Her site works may appear chaotic but one may need a moment to deduce the meaning from the pieces. Her works reflect a deep understanding of her subjects and this may prove to be an innovative technique in modern times. In the case of her current and ongoing work, A Wish and A Prayer, the pieces are rather simple yet as always, symbolic. I like the idea of the white cloth strips that get swayed by the wind. The message is profound, and what is remarkable is how such a simple creation could convey so much. Perhaps, Pam was so good at envisioning the project.

For me, Pam Hall is a visionary. She is one artist who uses her skills to connect with people, and I think that she effectively translates messages through her art. In another of her current, and still-in-progress work, Apron Diaries, a rather serious subject is discussed. Again, those colorful pieces may appear as some kind of kindergarten art, but much like the simplicity of the A Wish and A Prayer project, this one is something worth pondering on in its own way. From my point of view, at first glance, I noticed that the subject might have something to do with women's empowerment. The aprons are a well-accepted female representation and using this as a medium is a successful attempt to advocate women's rights craftily.

Art and history may be two different aspects of human society, yet they tend to complement each other. One might recall the city of Providence, and the richness of the place would come to mind. Dubbed as America’s Renaissance city, Providence proves to be the city of a prosperous civic life and history.

Different artists have their own takes on a subject. Nevertheless, whatever the period that circumscribed their works, be it classical or contemporary and modern, the more important thing is that the pieces are appreciated, and that is because it art reflects our own lives, our own culture, our selves.