How contemporary art contributes to a way of life
Art is a constant source of inspiration. It has become a wonderful companion in the search for a way of life . In our contemporary Western societies, leisure has been elevated to an art form. Gone are the days when work was the sole focus of personal fulfillment. Contemporary art has become a structured leisure activity, offering numerous opportunities to expand one's knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of oneself. Art and well-being is a concept that has now become part of our personal development tools.
To make one's life aesthetic, to make one's life a work of art, that is our proposition.
Modern man is concerned about his quality of life. Personal development and self-knowledge have become popular, and art can offer much in these areas. It can also contribute to healing through art therapy , which is becoming structured and firmly established within the field of psychotherapy.
Creative hobbies can also bring us great satisfaction. Making things with our own hands is one of life's pleasures that would be a shame to overlook.
Contemporary art, a new way of life
You are content with your life, but you would like to break free from your certainties, because you are aware that mysteries surround us. It is possible to improve the quality of your life in ways other than accumulating possessions and engaging in frenetic leisure activities.
What if you looked at art in a new light?
Previously, the pleasures of art were the preserve of the wealthy. Today, artistic practice is becoming more accessible. Acquiring an original work is also becoming possible. Many artists offer all kinds of high-quality creations at all price points. Online art galleries democratize access to a wide variety of artworks.
Like philosophy, the arts have this capacity to influence our lives. Painting, sculpture, and photography are now more accessible, both through their practice and through the contemplation of the works.
We often hear people say, "I know nothing about art." It's a shame that this remark keeps so many people away from contemporary art. The weight of an era when only a wealthy elite could afford the pleasures of owning works of art still lingers.
But what is most detestable is the discourse of critics and curators who claim to know what is good and what is not. This intellectualism continues to be pernicious for all those who crave artistic emotion and who don't always dare to walk through the doors of galleries, or simply to treat themselves by buying a work of art.
However, this simple gesture can have surprisingly positive repercussions in life.
"The art of the privileged must become the art of the community." The important thing is to have resolved this change, both technically and artistically. Victor Vasarely
The aestheticization of his life
The business world has long understood that one of the most profitable levers for commerce is to create aesthetic codes to enhance the value of its products.
Modern advertising was born. It established aestheticization as a founding principle.
Is the use of images according to aesthetic codes solely linked to marketing in our contemporary societies?
The answer is no, because social sciences demonstrate that it has always been central to the definition of group identity. What relates to aesthetic stereotypes always determines a cohesion that could be called tribal. Belonging to a caste, a political or social movement, the affirmation of a gender or an elite, are all reasons for differentiating oneself through apparent codes.
A new reality is intensifying within the Western lifestyle that the entire world is adopting: the rise of individualism. The majority of the population lives in cities, or even large urban complexes. Everything is organized so that each household or individual can break free from traditional cultural codes such as those that existed in rural societies.
As a result, everyone feels a sense of freedom, of being king in their own little domain. Managing oneself on a material and spiritual level becomes a necessity for living a good life.
Decorating our houses and apartments is no longer a mere accessory. We've moved beyond simply enjoying a pleasant environment to a pressing need for self-reflection. Art can be a valuable tool, as it's a powerful source of emotion and inspiration. Moreover, with countless artistic styles available, there's sure to be one that resonates with you.
Approaching contemporary art as a way and an art of living means expressing an identity that belongs only to you and that will express, better than grand speeches, what you are and what you want to become.
Self-knowledge
No culture is without art. Since time immemorial, humans have created cave paintings and objects with no practical use other than their aesthetic appeal. We have invented nothing new with our current societies, and contemporary art continues to play a pivotal role in human thought.
Self-knowledge begins with an awareness of our place in our immediate environment, and then more broadly in the universe.
Initially, there is a questioning of oneself, of one's life and of one's way of living. In the mirror, our dreams and our desires for children are reflected in the face of the passing of time.
The desire to experience life's finer things at all costs can become a harmful obsession if we're not careful. The frantic pursuit of ever-greater satisfaction leads us to overconsume life. We need regulating elements, and art is one of them.
The path to greater self-knowledge is not always easy. Moreover, it proves to be winding, as it first requires self-awareness. Then, when the desire for change becomes strong, it may be time to embark on a spiritual quest.
Learning, understanding and accepting oneself with kindness, these are the goals we set for ourselves.
To achieve this, we have many tools at our disposal. Art is one of them. Whether through its practice or simple contemplation, it is a powerful tool for influencing our minds.
Note: For some years now, museum visits have been offered by psychologists. Focused on meditation and discussion in front of artworks, they offer time for oneself, in connection with others.
The possibilities are immense in art. It's up to you to experiment!
If spirituality is important to you, did you know that many contemporary artists draw inspiration from the sacred in their works?
Here is an example from Aisté Jurgilaité, a Lithuanian artist:
If you feel close to nature, some artists know how to capture the essence of life. This is the case for Danish photographer Jacob Berghoef.
Art therapy or art-based care
We now know that engaging in artistic activity can play a major role in preventing health problems and in managing mental disorders or illnesses.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken an interest in the issue and published a report on this topic in 2019, which confirms "the positive influence of art on mental and physical well-being".
Philosophers like Aristotle long ago understood the value of using the power of art to release emotions. Therapists are well aware that artistic practices have this ability to liberate stress and unspoken feelings. It's a way to express what is inexpressible in words.
art therapy workshops , the goal is not to create works of art, but to work on inner life by bringing emotions to the surface. This is how traumas buried deep within our brains sometimes emerge. They are intuitively represented in the artworks. Once brought to light, they become easier to heal.
Pascal Manitoba is an artist with an interest in art therapy.
The artist shares his art during sessions to benefit people in difficulty. Sensitive to shamanism, he believes that art can heal souls and bodies.
The practice of art as a leisure activity.
Practicing art is an excellent way to express your individuality. Creative arts are now accessible to all budgets and offer a way to add some spice to your life. Exploring artistic expression without dedicating too much time or money is now within everyone's reach.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to have studied fine arts to create works of art. In fact, the main obstacle is the fear of being ridiculed and judged. It is precisely this challenge that is interesting, because it pushes back boundaries we thought were insurmountable. In this sense, artistic practice helps us progress in life by mastering a new skill.
When we engage in a creative hobby, we use our hands. Our minds then focus on the work, and we forget our worries. Time seems to flow differently.
It's also a way to develop new skills, geared towards a highly rewarding creative goal. We work for ourselves and by ourselves.
Furthermore, we leave the outside world, sometimes aggressive with its share of stress, obligations, frustration, for an activity close to meditation.
Creation first requires letting go, freeing our consciousness from habitual thoughts. Then, we involve our body, and particularly our hands, in a practical process of creation. And finally, our mind is nourished by the beneficial effects of having successfully created.
Being able to create something allows us to discover unsuspected talents. It's a great way to build self-confidence.
What is true for purely manual artistic activity is also true for visiting contemporary art fairs, exhibitions or art galleries.
Planning holidays or trips with a focus on visiting art venues is a constructive way to build your leisure time. Generally speaking, being immersed in the art world quickly becomes addictive and brings great pleasure.
But beyond mere leisure, art has the ability to bring us closer to our contemporaries, because it carries a universal language.
Pierre Desenfant – Art4You
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