Art and man have existed and developed together from the very beginning of history. At first, these were just insecure attempts to influence reality, expressed in primitive cave paintings. Later, human skills improved, understanding of the world became deeper, and art from a part of the magic ritual turned into a completely independent sphere of activity.
To determine what art gives to man is quite difficult, since the sphere of its influence on the life and consciousness of the third planet from the Sun is extremely large. Nevertheless, it is worth a try.
Let's start small
If you do not go into details and start with the most obvious things, of course, the function of aesthetic pleasure should be noted . What knowledge does art give? First of all, it instills in a person an understanding of the beautiful, and an understanding of both a rational nature and a spiritual one.
Perhaps this difference should be clarified. A person who is more or less knowledgeable in cultural studies and art history is able to realize the value, beauty and grandeur of brush strokes, coinage or filigree construction of notes. In this he will definitely see a certain system. In this case, understanding will be purely rational.
Now a little about the spiritual understanding of the beautiful. What gives us art, if not pleasure from its perception? In this case, we are talking more about awareness, the formation of hypersensitivity of the human soul through contact with art.
Art and history
Why do we need such knowledge? The knowledge that gives art is necessary for humanity in order to become aware of itself. Where, if not in the works of great authors, is the whole essence of history reflected in its almost original form? In fact, any act of creation is a response to a changed world.
The literary process, for example, is called the most accurate reflection of historical events: revolutions and revolts, discoveries and inventions. The same can be said of painting, architecture or music. The difference lies only in the language in which art tells its story: these are notes, features of carving and sculpting, or the specifics of strokes and the choice of colors and shapes.
So, what knowledge does art give? It opens before us history in all the greatness of the past and the mystery of the future.
Art talking
Creative heritage gives us knowledge not only about history, but also about man as such. Touching with the cultural values of other nations, we get involved in their worldview, more deeply understand their values, life features, foundations, traditions.
If it is necessary to define, art in this context is the language that the peoples of the world speak among themselves. This is a dialogue accessible to all mankind, not knowing the language barrier.
Creation and science
If we talk about what kind of knowledge gives art, we must not forget about its huge role in scientific progress. Modern man, by and large, perceives cultural heritage as an applied, secondary component of progress. This assumption can safely be called erroneous.
In fact, it was art that often acted as the most powerful engine of scientific thought. Fantastic aircraft, submarines, ships capable of conquering space, initially existed in the medium of art, and only then became the property of scientists. Recall, for example, a flying ship from the famous Russian fairy tale or "Nautilus" by Jules Verne.
Leonardo da Vinci at one time significantly ahead of science, working on drawings of not only weapons, but also aircraft. He is famous for his work in the field of anatomy. For most of the world, he is known as a great artist.
Ethical component
It is simply impossible to talk about art outside the ethical context. That it, in fact, is the best indicator of good and evil, justice and self-interest, spiritual beauty and inner ugliness. If we talk about what kind of knowledge gives art, we can not help but mention the ethical component.
Almost all the artistic creations of world culture are aimed at explaining to humanity the unwavering truth, goodness and beauty. Of course, if you look at a particular work of art literally, we can assume that, due to various features, it does not embody the beauty or ideals of humanity. Nevertheless, precisely because of this, we have a clear idea of what is good and what is bad. In fact, starting from children's fairy tales and ending with works of cinema, art educates humanity in us.
The impossible is possible
Finally, art teaches us the most important thing - the realization that there are no impossible things in the world, unbearable burdens and unattainable goals. Beethoven's example teaches us that even with almost no hearing, you can write amazing symphonies that humanity will carry through the ages and will admire them.
The novel "Ulysses", recognized as the pinnacle of world modernism, was written by James Joyce in a constant struggle against blindness.
The ceiling of the famous Sistine Chapel was painted by Michelangelo alone.
Based on these facts, what knowledge does art give? First of all, this is a clear realization that in the world there is nothing impossible for a person if he creates.
Creation Healing
Throughout the world, the practice of treating mental disorders by including patients in the medium of art has long been actively used. It can be a simple demonstration of reproductions or sessions of listening to classical music. A direct act of creation may also be involved. Most psychiatrists of the world are convinced that it is through initiation into creative activity that the human nervous system most quickly returns to normal.
Speaking about what values art gives, one must not forget about the fact of a positive effect on the human body. By the way, this kind of practice is used not only among psychiatry - it is common for humanity to turn to art to fight fear.
Exceptional Features
So, we have listed the main ways of interaction between man and art. Now let’s pay attention to what is the peculiarity of the cultural heritage.
In terms of the breadth of possible knowledge of art, there are simply no equal. For example, if we are talking about science (physics, algebra or biology), we are faced with a completely separate branch of human knowledge. It is possible, but difficult to deviate to the side, touch the rest of the world.
Art includes the whole world. Literature, for example, can cover ethics, beat the laws of physics, and turn to history, biology or astronomy. Painting provides a great opportunity to comprehend not only the features of the painting technique, but also compare the canons of beauty in the history of mankind. Ancient Greek sculptures are an ideal model of the body in terms of anatomical features.
The art, which so much of humanity so frivolously calls the applied branch of activity, is essentially multi-scientific, since it is it that addresses the world and reflects it in all its beauty, fullness and greatness.