In today’s modern world, there is probably greater access to Art than ever before. Nevertheless, the function of Art remains an area of debate with some believing that it provides meaning and purpose to our lives, whilst others feel that it is only a momentary escape from more important issues. My own belief is that Art is fundamental to what makes us human.
A first point to consider is that the expression of our lives through Art is one of the few things that separates humans from animals. Man is the only creature who attempts to reflect his own life through Art forms such as painting. Furthermore, the fact that Art is often taken to mean the work of geniuses such as Picasso does not necessarily mean that Art is only a characteristic of modern man. Ancient cave paintings show that even in primitive times, the expression of the world around was important to humans. In my opinion this is a strong argument for showing how vital Art is to Man.
Some people believe that Art is just a brief distraction from normality. However, one of the major uses of Art is to lift people’s spirits. The songs of slaves provide an example of how music can help people cope with pain. Similarly, paintings and sculptures are often used to remember historical events, keeping them alive in the culture. I believe this reflects a fundamental need to express our existence through Art.
To summarize, Art is something which has been a part of human history for thousands of years and helps people survive difficult times and express their existence. Thus, it is my view that Art is much more than just entertainment: it is one of the defining characteristics of being human.