Art is the expression of a feeling using a form. From cave paintings to canvas-stretched masterpieces, art has acted as a universal language for thousands of years, conveying thoughts and emotions across cultures, time periods, and continents.
Art can bring people together in a way few other things can. Whether it’s an act of kindness towards someone else, or an act of kindness towards oneself, art is one way to escape the mundane nature of everyday life.
A great example of this phenomenon can be seen in how people often express themselves through visual art; sketches, drawings, paintings, sculptures; all are common forms of self-expression. People with no artistic talent whatsoever (myself included) still enjoy drawing to express themselves.
Combine this fact (i.e., that people like to draw, etc.) with how influential art is worldwide, and it’s no surprise that many charities across the globe use art as a tool for growth; whether it’s through murals in impoverished neighborhoods, or international museums showcasing prized works of art, charity and art go hand in hand.
The Power of Art is in its ability to bring people together and allow them to express themselves without words. Art has the power to empower people around the world, making it one of the most powerful forms of expression there is.
What are the most popular types of American art?
American art is often split into four main categories. These are folk, colonial, realistic, and abstract art.
The first of these types of American art is folk art. This includes a number of different kinds of artistic expression including decorative objects such as quilts and works on paper like the ‘whimsies’ featured in many 19th century broadsides and lithographs.
Colonial art is generally defined as the art of the ‘New World’, including regions such as Canada, early America, and the Caribbean. Much of this art was created by Europeans who were living in these colonies or travelers that spent long periods of time there. This type of American artwork includes decorative objects such as furniture, paintings, drawings, and carvings. A good example of American Colonial art is the poster ‘John Bull & Brother’.
Realistic art was created by artists that were trying to recreate their life experiences in a realistic manner. This meant using traditional techniques and topics such as still-life paintings, portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes.
Abstract art is the least tangible of the four types of American art. It is defined as a non-representational or non-objective work. This means that abstract works do not depict anything from reality. Instead, it uses geometric shapes, brushes strokes, and vivid colors to create an artistic effect much in the manner of music or poetry.
How has American Art influenced the art industry?
Museums like the Met, MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art), and LACMA (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art) are some of the most well-known museums in the United States. Many other smaller, regional galleries dot the nation’s landscape, showcasing paintings, photographs, sculptures, textiles, drawings; you name it.
All of these galleries showcase works by artists from all over the world, but it’s impossible to have a museum without having some sort of American artist represented. Great American Art is one of many expressions that can be found in museums across the country. From Edward Hopper to John Singer Sargent, there are hundreds upon hundreds of American artists that have contributed to the cultural legacy that American Art has created.
American art has had a large influence on how art is showcased throughout the world, with many museums showcasing international works alongside American pieces. Without these great expressions of color and form, who knows where today’s global Artscape would be? The answer is simple; it wouldn’t exist.
The Power of Art is in its ability to bring people together and allow them to express themselves without words. Art has the power to empower people around the world, making it one of the most powerful forms of expression there is.
