The Importance of Subjects and Content in Art: Exploring the Foundation of Creative Expression

Art, be it in its visual, auditory, or other forms, must be seen and felt. The pioneer in art education, Elliot Eisner, is a great starting point to delve into the essence of what constitutes art. He, alongside Project Zero’s Studio Thinking, offers profound insights into the importance of subjects and content in art. Additionally, Ken Robinson's highly acclaimed TED talk, 'Why Schools Kill Creativity,' further emphasizes the crucial role that art and creativity play in education.

Art Beyond pure Technique and Form

Contrary to the belief that there is no need for a subject or topic in a piece of art, it is fundamentally about the tools—an artist's line, shadow, form, color, and contrast—that are used to express concepts and emotions that are too complex to be put into words. Consider visual art akin to music; while many songs and musical compositions convey a narrative or subject matter, countless others exist without any defined topic, yet they move us profoundly.

Art as a Self-Defined Inquiry

For the solitary artist, the choice of subject and content is inherently self-assigned. The current piece of work, or the focus of one's energy, becomes the subject at hand. It is the inherent clarity and self-critique of the artist that anchors the creative process. Whether the artist admits it or not, the current focus is the subject. Artistic creation is a deeply personal journey, and the assignment of subject and content is a statement of one's inner vision and spirit.

The Role of Title in Art

Another crucial aspect of art is the title. It is not a task that is always given significant thought, but it plays a vital role in engaging the audience. In an age where imagery competes for attention, the title serves as a beacon, guiding the viewer to find a personal connection. An artist's challenge is to find a way to draw the audience into the artwork, offering them a reason to stop and engage.

A friend of the artist once succinctly put it this way: 'I want my audience to stand in the spot that I stood to create the image in the first place.' Strong and thoughtfully composed art invites viewers to experience the creator's perspective, enhancing the emotional and intellectual engagement with the work. A few carefully chosen words and a well-structured composition serve as the bridge between the artist’s vision and the audience’s experience.

Reflection and Evolution

The importance of titles and content in art has evolved for me over time. Initially, I was quick to create without much thought about the title. However, as I matured in my practice and faced disappointment, I came to appreciate the significance of the title and content. It is not just about the imagery but about guiding the viewer, revealing the artist’s vision, and creating a connection. It is a subtle yet powerful tool for expressing the artist’s intent and engaging the audience.

In conclusion, subjects and content are more than just elements of art; they are the foundation of creative expression. They are tools for connecting the artist's vision with the viewer's experience, transcending words and capturing emotions and concepts that words alone cannot convey.