Art schmart - what is the deal with it?

What is big deal about art? I mean really, come on! Someone puts paint on a canvas or hits a piece of stone with a chisel and we call it "art". We say it means something. 

So what does it mean?

Well, it means a whole lot of things. Humans have been carving and painting since we were cave dwellers. We, as a race, have followed this need to record our lives and it always began with images, with art. It also sets us apart from other mammals. We record. We express. We share. Art is so much more than just notes from an instrument, steps in a dance or colours on canvas. It is a recording of our history. Art, in its numerous forms, is a narrative. A human narrative. This narrative is even viewed from an anthropological point. Beliefs, history, culture, ceremonies, wars, portraits, nature, and celebrations are expressed in art. Susanne K Langer describes its importance succinctly here.  Even the recent discovery of the "art find of the century" has made headlines. Discovery of over 1,400 lost or unknown works in Munich, Germany has caused excitement beyond the art world. The story of these stolen paintings from Nazi Germany is now part of our history. 

Yes, art in all its forms is important. It is not just leisure or an extravagance. Art and its history matters. Additionally, one does not need to be an artist to appreciate the arts. Who doesn't like music (in its numerous styles) or marvel at skilled dancers. I myself, although not an artist by any means, have been moved by paintings, cried to touching music and been in awe of spectacular dance. I have also been puzzled by art (not sure I understand modern art but realize that it is about perspective) and even bored by it, yet I do understand its importance. It speaks of us.

That is what art means, at least to me.

Below are pictures of a few of my favourites. I have seen all of these except the one by Klimt.

Etombment of Atala by Girodet-Trioson
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Detail of Dying Slave (The Captive) by Michaelangelo
Photo taken by myself.

Cuba

It has been several weeks since my last post where I said I was going to take a hiatus (which I am), however, I do want to share a few of my photos of my recent trip to Cuba. These are mainly scenery shots or ones where I made an attempt to be 'artsy'. I hope you enjoy them.

Varadero Beach

Seashells littered the beach (but what lovely litter it is)

sand

Tucked away from the main area of our beach...

and leading up to here

Sails on the Atlantic Ocean

A curly-tailed gecko (or lizard) - it's soooo cute!

An evening view of the resort and ocean - one of the clearer days we had

Varadero City market after the rain - I got caught in the downpour sans umbrella and was soaked through but still a great day!

A public beach in Varadero City (after the downpour)

The ocean (smile)

Cathedral in Old Havana

Cathedral detail

Havana's Capitol building

Exquisite and ornate detail inside the National Theatre

The next 5 photos are of the art of Havana's streets - some weathered, all of them an expression (as all art is). I am coming to really enjoy street art and plan to photograph much of it on my future travels and wanderings.

My attempt at art with my camera

Windows and balconies in Havana, they have seen much I imagine

homes

An old fortress

Back at the resort - my toes, poolside

I never did go in that pool

Havana Street Art

Recently I returned from a week`s vacation in Varadero, Cuba. I was there to attend a friend`s wedding that was held at the resort we stayed in. During the week I took a day trip to Cuba`s capital city, Havana.  I visited only Old Havana as it is too large of a city to be seen in a few hours. The little I did see was a mix: the old glory and beauty worn but emanating its own weathered character. Perhaps a reflection of the city`s heart, a beauty of it own kind. 

My favourite piece of street art in Havana. One of the most beautiful pieces of art I have ever seen.

There was numerous amounts of street art around Havana. I am beginning to appreciate this form of art and expression in the places I visit. People giving a part of themselves to area around them. 

P.S. I would appreciate it, if you use this photo that you give credit to me (as it is owned by me) and link back to my blog. Thank you.