What is the value of fine art? When confronted with this question the general population would have an answer that would put a price tag on actual artworks. An answer like this shows a clear misunderstanding of the question. Pay closer attention to the question and think of what it is really asking. What is the value of art itself as a whole?
Before anyone can accurately answer this a perspective about art must first be gained. How does fine art enrich our lives? For one, it expands the color palate of the indoors. Art creates a warm and inviting atmosphere to a place of business. It adds beauty to its surroundings because, let's face it, nobody wants to stare at lifeless walls all day. A single artwork can tell an entire story and everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words. To many it is an expression of deep emotion. For the majority of the population putting emotions into words is next to impossible. Those who are able find it easier to put emotions into art forms. Self expression is an essential part of life. For the artistically inclined there is no better way to express ones' self in a way that is truly their own. Art is the bridge between imagination and reality. A description of another world or a magical forest filled with mythical creatures is good but a painting or a drawing gives a feel for such a place. Fine arts are all of this and so much more.
Giving and creating a sense of wonder to our lives, why is it that the fine arts have been moved to the sidelines? How is it that we have allowed science and logic to dictate our lives and the lives of our youth? Think about it, throughout life how much of the sciences do we really use? Sure the sciences can be fun. Learning about life on our planet gives an appreciation for the planet where we live and a responsibility to care for it. Is a knowledge for higher mathematics important enough to force every single student to learn it? How much of it do they actually use outside of school in their every day lives? Yes we need these things but sacrificing one for the other is not an option. Only in having a balance between the subject matter will future generations have everything the world has to offer.
Keeping all of that in mind, what is the value of art? Simply put, art is the motivation to dream, the imagination to see the impossible one of the hopes of life. A person can have all the logic and reason this world has to offer but without an artistic view what hope in life would they have? Not much. The value of art is without measure and we are blessed to live in a city where this is not taken for granted.
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