Art of the Insane: The Purest Form of Art Expression - Term Paper Example

ART OF THE INSANE: THE PUREST FORM OF ART EXPRESSION Introduction People have been enthralled with the insane, and accordingly, with their art, actually, since the daybreak of psychology as a justifiable field of research. With time passing by, psychology has distinguished itself from physiology and other sciences, with the making of breakthroughs in the year workings of the mind, meticulously, with the development of the theory of the conscious as well as the sub-conscious as distinct pieces of the consciousness. Coinciding with it were the transformations taking place in the evolution of modern art as the artists were more quitting behind the academia-style of art and began to support a comparatively less pragmatic approach, thereby, carrying away from what was previously radical, eventually, delving in to surrealism (Marra, 2004). Art, as an appearance of expression for humans, has long been cognizant as a main-stream factuality that links humans with the correct form of self-expression, most appropriate for them to perform. The development of the art of the insane was more of an associated relief as a form of therapy for those who are mentally disturbed than a simple recognition of human capability to recreate the right kind of art that is expected to be developed by a normal human. In the field of art, several styles of forming the expression of a painter's idea of a certain theme is present through the history arts. Several painters have been involved in presenting their ideas through the utilization of many artistic styles. Among the artistic styles widely used in the field of painting are the International Gothic Style and the High Renaissance Style. Both types of painting display different forms of expressing art as a form of communicating their ideas to the society. The International Gothic Style is characterized by the elegant and graceful figures that enhance the images and the message being presented by the paintings. However, using several media effects, the images at times appear to be a bit artificial in form. The forms and figures becomes a little brighter than the works based upon pure manual work of art. Although this is the case, it is still obvious that even though media effects are incorporated within the art pieces, the message is still clearly sent to the viewers of the painted art. In context with the artists, most of them regard what is written and said commented about their work, as at best beside the point, at worst a distraction from it. Picasso argued about the comprehension of art by understanding the song of the bird, since, people who attempt to explain pictures are usually barking up the wrong tree (Goldwater and Treves, 1945). On the other hand, Millet commented on the gossip about his 'Man With a Hoe' as it seemed to be strange as it furnishes him with another opportunity to wonder at the ideas people attribute to him (Geertz, 1976). On the other hand, the perception of something significant in either the particular works, or in the arts, usually moves people to talk and write about them consistently. Something which is significant or evocative cannot be just left to sit there bathed in pure importance, and thus, it is described, analyzed, compared, judged a well as classified. Moreover, art is characterized as language, a structure, a system and an act of principle, and if at all, everything fails, then it is hoped that someone else would elucidate them for us. Meanwhile, the explosion of creative genius ideas on art characterizes High Renaissance Style. This style has been used through the stretch of years from 1450-1520. Now, the same style is being redeveloped along with the mixture of painting style with the latest media effects available through technology and computer application. The High Renaissance Style is known for its technical competence and its rich artistic presentation of imaginative design. The heroic composition of the images presented through this style is indeed shown through the use of harmony and balance of the figures featured through the produced artistic pieces. To have a better understanding of the artistic styles and presentations mentioned above, two of the most widely known art pieces, which have been revised and repainted by many painters on their own version, shall be examined. For the International Gothic Style, The Coronation of The Virgin painted by Gentile de Fabriano shall be observed as to how the figures of its presentation where shown in connection with the message of the art work (Getty, 2006). For the High Renaissance Style, the version of 'Madonna and Child' by Lorenzo Di Credi shall be examined as well. The aim of the said analysis is to create a connection between the existence of regular art creations with that of the creation of insane art and how both give a clear depiction as to how human individuals respectively express their ideas based on the circumstances that they are living in at present (Getty, 2006). Moreover, although both creative and expressive, this analysis aims to separate the said artistic styles with that of the approach used to create insane art and recognize its capability to showcase pure art display of human expression of their emotions and personality. 2. The Elements of Creative Art Both paintings created by the painters mentioned above have their own characteristics that depict the message each painter attempts to convey to the viewing public. The following are the elements of art and painting that contribute to the said matter of concern. Hence, both paintings shall be analyzed as to how they are able to convey their message to their audiences. Space Analysis The 'Coronation of the Virgin' is more of a wide spaced painting wherein the point of attention is focused upon the arising 'Mary' towards the direction of heaven. This spacious factor in the said painting, thus, contributes to the sense of centralized visionary element that the painter would want to imply to the viewers. On the other hand, the painting of 'Madonna and Child' has a more intact space. This is mainly to denote the close connection of the characters portrayed by the images found in the painting. The closeness shows the relationship that exists between the mother and the child which is common to the actual events in the world. This factor helps portray the painting's touching message of the caring thoughts of a mother towards her child. Form "Coronation of the Virgin" has a form that shows femininity and the fragile aspect of a woman's character. The characteristics of being free and constantly changing are depicted by the ascending picturesque of "Mary". On the other hand, 'Madonna and Child' depicts the other side of the woman on being a mother. It delineates a caring woman who is able to support her young amidst all the challenges in life, whether easy or not. Design and Figures Both the design and figures of the paintings are used to show the elements of the images that are used to show the differences of the aspects of the used art and how they are able to contribute to the message wanted to be sent by the painters. Use of Light and Shadow The use of light effects in the paintings differs much depending on the way the message is supposed to be presented. For the Coronation of the Virgin, the light and shadow appears to be coming from the dove that is in flight above Mary's head. This naturally shows the divination of the circumstance which actually portrays the holy responsibility placed upon Mary's head. . On the other hand, 'Madonna and Child' has the light illuminating around the images. This normally depicts the expansion of the image as it highlights a mother's love to her child. Color, Hue and Rhythm Color combination and produces the hue and the rhythm in any art work. Hence, the paintings being examined herein both had their own styles of applying rhythm and hue within their appearance. This could also refer to the brightness or the darkness of the colors used within the images. As for the paintings being examined herein, the brightness of the color used has been applied in the painting of the Coronation, mainly gold encryptions. While dark hues were combined in Madonna and child, these dark hues were used along with the bright mixture of colors for Madonna's dress of red, green and blue puts the center of attention to the mother. The bright hues depict peace of mind and freedom while the dark hues portray calmness and seriousness of the message of the painting. Texture As applied by the painters, the presentation of the Coronation is roughly intensified. This is to enhance the 'loudness' of the victorious picturesque portrayed in the picture. The intensity of the message is seen through the sketches of roughness especially applied on the edges towards the image being portrayed. On the other hand, 'Madonna and Child' has been placed in smooth presentation. This is to denote the calmness of the environment in the painting. The warm affection of the mother is highlighted through the use of smooth palate for the entire imagery. Media Effects For the painting of 'Madonna and Child', the media effects were not understandable, however, with the Coronation of the Virgin, the use of etched halo and the encryption of the gold leaves along the top edges of the painting shows much artistry and attracts attention towards the main features of the painting. The brightness of the color combination for the Coronation of the Virgin has been mainly used to show elegance of the main images portrayed by the painter in the said artwork. The Message portrayed With the usage of the special effects and ample applications of artistic features on the painting, the message has been clearly sent out. Motherhood, as portrayed in the Madonna and Child painting is clearly shown as a basic factor that shows love and calmness of a mother's care for her child. On the other hand, Coronation of the Virgin depicts the responsibility bestowed to Mary as the mother of all creations. Through the embedded features of artistic presentation the message is clearly sent through. Along with the elegance and elaborated designs, the message has been obviously presented to the viewers of the artwork. Religious and social, maternal and feminist views have been clearly bestowed. The elements of art which were described herein which were utilized to determine the comparison and the contrasting factors between the "Coronation of the Virgin" and the "Madonna and Child" paintings indeed delineated the effort of the painters. The specification placed upon the paintings worked well to simply be able to meet the required intensity of creativity that is supposed to be placed upon the sending of the message to the viewers of the art works. 3. Relating the Emergence of Insane Art into the Picture The classical form of art naturally gives the chance for artists of the past to create and express themselves well through painting and other forms of creation. Whatever the art form tries to imply, the said creation naturally gives an implicative picture as to who and how the painter wanted to make the said painting more reliably able to send the right message that they ought to send to their audiences. In the field of unconventional art though, the insane art does not worry much about form or style. As a form of therapeutic art, the said form of creation is most likely more often criticized through analyzing the meaning behind the elements that were used by the artists to express their ideas of art and primarily their emotions and personality through the conveyed form of creation. Hence, it is through this particular factor that this form of art is given a separate recognition from the above sample of human creations. Likely, the main focus of the presentation of insane art is for the keen observation of the target audience. More than that, this form of art affects the creator and the audiences both ways. Mental illness is a form of disorder that is believed to be cured through many procedural therapies that demands the utilization of the mind for thinking. Insane art naturally gives way to this particular thought and gives a successful result for giving the mentally disturbed individuals a chance to express what they feel freely through art. With the development of the insane art, it is now recognized by the society as wonderful display of abstract art that brings in the interest of the audiences towards this particular visual creation. Certainly, its affective properties determines the afflictions that undermines the individual's personal growth and development and helps the individual to become more responsive to others and one's own desires and fears and instilling a life-affirming perspective (American Art Therapy Association, 2008). In MacGregor's view, the process of art making is construed as an invitation to immerse oneself in a transformational self-expression of one's own individuality, and that this view holds that undergoing such creative processes could actually hearten growth development (MacGregor, 1992). 4. Summary and Further Discussions Both the paintings were created during the heightened time of religious pursuits of the European regions as they claim different countries around the world as their allied colony. The religious belief of Mary's heroic display of motherhood to Jesus and to the entire humanity is depicted by both the paintings. Hence, the clarity of the message of the paintings is depicted by the trend in painting that is present during the times when they were first produced. For Lorenzo Di Credi's Madonna and Child, the painting has been produced for an altarpiece. The landscapes behind the image of the woman along with the mother and child were obviously different. This is mainly because the painters for the said art were two different persons. The first who made the painting was not able to finish it then decided to pass on the work to Di Credi. As a result, two different styles of approach in painting are obvious through the art piece. On the other hand, the Coronation of the Virgin was mainly produced for his native town. The presentation of his artwork has been based upon the artistic effects of natural pigmentation along the edges and the main presentation of the painting. The elaborative designs of the robe of Mary and Jesus were created to be able to follow the International Gothic Style presentation. The painters spent much time in coming up with these masterpieces of their hard work. Several etch and rejected works came first before the development of a fine and meaningful finish has been completed. Certainly, having this matter in mind helps the viewers understand the importance of the artwork that they are currently viewing. The very emotions of the painters when they were finishing those masterpieces could be clearly seen on the favorable results of their patience and hard work. Moreover, while classical art gives importance to style and form, insane art gives clarified importance to the meaning of the created art. It is undeniable that through the development of insane art, the procedures by which humans recognize art has naturally changed making human society more appreciative of meaning and in depth understanding of the art forms that they see around them. Yes, whatever kind of art it is, the appreciation of it becomes more and more affective to the personal development of the creators ad visual appreciation for the audiences. No matter which school of though one aspires to consider, it has been proven that people with mental disabilities posses an eerie ability to produce unique art-works. The distinguished Henry Darger was a lonely man who was orphaned and illiterate as a child, even though, he had generated 15,000 pages of text and hundreds of large scale illustrations which were inclusive of maps, collaged photos and watercolors depicting his child heroes (Zolberg and Cherbo, 1997). Association between art and the medical industry has spawned innovative discoveries in determination of the factors which explain the correlation between psychology and art as a medium. Medical veterans in the field of Psychiatry such as Arnold Ludwid, attempted to make sense of the normative behaviors of artists which trigger them to produce a distorted outlook for their realities through art, but concrete explanations on the vitality of the presence of madness still requires to be corroborated through more observations. Out of the most prominent outsider artists, is a famous art-person to be recognized as Adolf Wolfli who was a Swiss artist who confined to a psychiatric hospital for most of his adult life, during the time when he had produced a vast amount of drawings, text, as well as musical compositions which detailed his lonely life (Hall and Metcalf, 1994). 5. Conclusions At the present, the contemporary society has offered many and different forms and characteristics of exemplification and abstraction of the humanistic aspect of the society in the form of what is generally known as the art. The said manifestations of the artistic nature of the people is viewed by many to be of no value as they do not coincide or agree with the principal guidelines of artistic consideration. On the other hand, other groups in the society claim the other way around. This difference in the interpretation and view with regards to the artistic value of the emotional and concrete manifestations of the abstracted values of the people produces conflicts in the opinions of the art aspect of the humanity. In this spectacle of social ambiguity that the book of Cynthia Freeland entitled "But is it Art" appeals most (Freeland, 1998). The book by Freeland generally perceives the contemporary artistic manifestations to be examples of the modern artistic vision of the society as related with their new norms and social values. By exemplifying and analyzing different art forms in the modern society, Freeland claims that the modern manifestations of the humanistic aspect of the society are still considerable within the principles of art work and are all appreciable in their own aspects. By also considering the different changes and advancement in the social development, she also claims that principles of the old art forms has not yet excluded by the present society but instead it became more vivid and artistic with the expansion beyond the past boundaries (Freeland, 1998). The book considers different aspects of the present art form in relation to the dominant social values and cultures, each discussed sufficiently and intrinsically in the book. By this analysis and with incorporation of different ideas from other art critics, Freeland has developed a concept in her book describing the present mediums and manifestations of the humanistic aspect of the present society to be within the classification of art in their own definition of artistic representation and expression (Freeland, 1998). Indeed, with the presence of media and technological advancements, the art of manual painting has been considered by many as an outdated profession. This is the reason why among many museums, there are already only a few highlighting classical painting creations during the first century development of arts. For many, painting today is simply a hobby. Using it as a career is indeed a lost hope. However, the remaining enthusiasm among people who love painting images like that of the "Coronation of the Virgin" and the "Madonna and Child" still lives on. Their constant belief of the life span of art that should remain from generations to generations has convinced them to utilize their creativity and produce considerably beautiful outcomes with regards to painting. Arts and painting are a great part of the human society. Through the pages of history, painting has been the way by which people communicate either literally or symbolically. However a person views painting, it could never be denied that many are still attracted and amazed by the art of putting colors, figures and now media effects together in creating a meaningful output. Yes, painting lives on and will continue to develop through the years of human progress. Still, with whatever kind of art there is, there would always be a definition as to where and how these works of wonderful expression of human creativity came from that defines the creator's motives, thoughts and cultures as displayed through the said works. Artwork, in all of its forms, has the way of conveying stories of the individuals who create them. It is in the art that artists express themselves entirely to their outlook factuality. Art-making may construe to a personal trial for any person, but its importance carries an underlying idea of human infirmity. This must be a reason for medical experts to tap in to this so that people with psychological problems may benefit from the non-reserved processes of recreation which enhances the image of the self and the contiguous vicinity. Facilitating supportively troubled individuals in creative vicinity might be able to release innovative discoveries in the medical field of mental health. References 1. American Art Therapy Association. 2008, About Art Therapy. [Official Website]. 2. Freeland, Cynthia. 1998, But is it art. Wiley Publishing Company. 3. Geertz, C. 1976, Modern Language Notes. JSTOR. 4. Getty. 2006, Coronation of the Virgin. Gentile da Fabriano, Italian. 5. Getty. 2006, Madonna and Child. Studio of Lorenzo di Credi Italian. 6. Golwater and Treves. 1945, ARTISTS ON ART From the XIV to the XX Century. NY: Pantheon Books, 1945 1st prtg. (1945). 7. Hall, M. D, and Metcalf, E. W. 1994, The Artist Outsider: Creativity and the Boundaries of Culture, New York: Smithsonian Institution Press. 8. MacGregor, J. M. 1992, The Discovery of the Art of the Insane, New York: The Princeton University Press. 9. Zolberg, V.L. and Cherbo, J.M. 1997, Outside Art: Contesting Boundaries in Contemporary Culture, New York: Cambridge University Press. Read More