What is the Place of Art in Modern Life?

In today's fast-paced, highly stressed society where technology and science appear to be always in the forefront, some might wonder about the place of art. Art comes in many forms the performing arts, for example, art and craft, as well as painting and sculpture. I believe that art does have a place in today's society, all the more so because of the increased emphasis on science.

Firstly, art is a thing of beauty and grace, be it a famous painting or a performed ballet. They are all things of harmony, and harmony and beauty are qualities sadly lacking in today's society, where ugliness and crudity may be encountered almost everywhere, and in all forms. It is in art that a wealth of beauty is stored for all to enjoy and appreciate. Many times, in simply playing a piece on an instrument, or taking part in handicraft, the beauty of it comes to one even more.

Beauty here does not refer to mere physical beauty. There is also great loveliness in the flow of movements, the fluidity of a dance and the excellent, use of the human body as in mime. In fact, sometimes the way in which scattered elements are brought together and integrated is something to behold, like in a collage or a patchwork quilt. Indeed, art contributes much to the beauty in this world, not only adding to the beauty of nature's skies, seas and fields but adapting and re-interpreting them.

Secondly, art has the ability to soothe wrinkled brows and tired minds. Here, a particular reference must be made to music. From biblical times when the young David played his instrument to soothe a disturbed King Saul, music has served to ease much tension. Today, properly used, it, brings great enjoyment and pleasure to many who listen to music as a form off relaxation.

Thirdly, art helps to balance one's personality, for it deals with feelings and emotions, and often, in this world of cold logic and calculation, art can bring back the human touch.

Art can also serve as a form of expression, and as a means of communication, be it through dance, or mime, or choral singing where emotions may be brought across more articulately and more strongly than by speaking. In fact, it is through art that one's communication skills may be improved, skills that are of great Importance.

On a more practical note, besides all that art may do for us, it is true that most of us do not often come into contact with it. Art in modern life tends to be dismissed as the domain of the professional artists, dancers and singers. I feel that although it is not practical for all of us to pursue careers in art, it should at least have a place in our lives.

Art also has a place in schools. Locally, the first art school and school of design have been set up, showing the shift towards art. Many schools have their own choirs, bands, drama and dance societies and art clubs with many students actively involved in them. In some schools, music and art are offered as GCE `A' and `O' level subjects, and many students have gone abroad on music scholarships.

Thus, even in modern life, art continues to have a place. In many cases, art has grown along with modern life, and adapted itself to it, for what is art but human creation and expression, and humans are shaped by their environment.

The place of art in modern life stays the same - it is a continual source of beauty, an outlet for human emotions, a form of personal expression and it provides relief from stress. It serves to cultivate appreciation for beauty and to improve our skills of' communication and expression.

Admittedly, however, it has a greater place in some people's lives than others, but above all, art continues to retain a place because its very essence is humanity's expression, and however the pace of life quickens or technology alters, human nature and humanity will not change very much.