Why We Do Art: The Core of Human Expression By: Chimere Eziama

Art is a universal expression, transcending time, language, and culture. From cave paintings to digital art, humans have sought to express and connect through art. Art serves as a mirror reflecting emotions, a tool for communication, and a way to understand the complexities of each human's unique experience. In exploring why people do art, a person can look into how it shapes identities, preserves stories, and fosters a sense of shared humanity.

Hillgrove Junior, Reign Fleming says, “Art is basically a story, it evokes something.” Some of the oldest cave paintings tell the stories of hunter-gatherers and the animals of their time. People come to see these prehistoric pieces to bask in evolution. Art is often a means of connection, be it to the ancestors or the people around us today. “Some people go through similar things, so [art] can connect those people together.” (Fleming) All over the world, a smile means joy no matter what language a person speaks. Art breaks the bonds of language and culture. “It changes the way that others see each other, especially on the internet, because art can show raw human emotion.” (Fleming)

Mrs. Bheodari, a Hillgrove Art Teacher, talks about how art can affect the mind, “When we had COVID, we would do a lot of art activities that were simpler, just like letting your brain just breathe and flow.” Art can be a great outlet for emotion, instead of unhealthy coping mechanisms a person can put their feelings on canvas. The world around us is built on the foundations of art, for example the buildings people live and work in are built from the art of

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architects. Mrs. Bheodari talks about the world without art.,“I don't think [the world] would exist because everything has been designed by someone.” Art does not always have to be for others though, “I think artists can create for themselves.” (Bheodari) It does not have to be an outlet for emotion, it can just be putting a pencil on a piece of paper to see what happens. But, art is also a hobby that can only be made into a career with a lot of work. “But, I feel like majority of the time, 90% artists make work for audiences, to sell, for a gallery, for some sort of theme” (Bheodari)

Dara Omodele, a Junior at Hillgrove talks about controversial art and its effects, “Some people just like to stay hidden, they don't like being aware of what's going on.” Art can be protest or awareness of topics and change the way people see the world. Dara also talks about how art must not alway be deep or symbolic, “Some people that I know also just draw to draw. Some people have meaning behind their art, like ‘This means something to me’.” Art can be an expression or just something to put on a wall, it must always be inspiring or raw. Art does not always connect to everyone, no person on earth will have the same interpretation of a single piece of art. All these different interpretations create the idea of art and bring it to life.