Quite Literally a Window

In reading for class this week I found that Humanities (the arts) not only help us figure out who we are, but also help us to see things we wouldn't normally see. A painting, for example is quite literally a window. It open vistas defined by the artists unique point of view. We can learn to see how the world looks to another human being. "Thus, a study of the humanities - philosophy, religion, literature, and art - deals in some measure with the ends of life, with possible goals of human existence." To fully understand the artists' rendition of their art you must study the artist themselves; their likes, their dislikes, their dreams, and their fears. Then you'll find that there are so many other things in the world, (other than your own little focused life) so many things just as important, more important. Some think that the arts aren't important, but as they learn and grow in the arts, they will understand and know that the arts ARE important, and the world wouldn't be the place it is today without them. They can learn to appreciate the arts if they give it a chance.

Defining Our Generation in the Arts

Wednesday in class I was pretty much in heaven! I took A.P. European my junior year of high school and our discussion this week brought back memories and revived the love I have for European History. Looking through the slide show in class on A History of the World I found that European History and Art History(which I never got to take in high school, but have wanted to ever since) are two of my great loves. I could barely sit still during class and on a number of occasions I wanted to jump up out of my chair and tell the class all about the artists and art we were going over.

I loved the discussion we had in class about humanities in general and how the arts help define us as individuals, as a generation, and most importantly as a person. One of my favorite parts of our discussion was when someone mentioned their theory that someone who hates some art, are inhibited in a certain way. Art completes ourselves as people. Some just aren't willing to put the effort into the arts to fully appreciate it. Arts are an acquired taste for some and a favorite for others. We, as people are able to learn and reap something in return when we give individually to the arts by simply supporting them.

My second favorite point of discussion was that Broadway Shows like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables do not only entail beautiful music, but they also possess a depth, and a story behind each song, and character. When you actually pay attention and listen you get more out of what you are viewing, or listening to.

The last point of class discussion that intrigued me is the phrase, "art is extremely powerful". We shouldn't be in awe of the arts only because they are old, but because of the personal experience we are bound to have if we open our hearts to the special, unique, and exquisite language of the arts. The other phrase that caught my attention is, "the arts are not more important because they are historical but because they have shaped the lives we live; different things are important to different people." Historical arts are a big influence on our lifestyles in culture. The most important art it the art being created right NOW, by our fellow peers. It comes from the society we live in and it defines our generation.

Acoustics in Brigham Square

The event I attended this week was the Acoustic Concert in Brigham Square on Wednesday night. Over all I thought it a great evening activity. I loved the added feature of it being outside. This made it more comfortable and laid back for everyone in attendance. At one point in the concert there was a dance competition, where members of the audience were encouraged to come up and dance for everyone. This was a great technique that promoted complete audience involvement. Another thing that made it more interesting was every band or individual who performed were BYU students. I think this really brought a better audience-to-performer connection; we felt we had something in common with the performers. This also made me reflect on what we discussed in class, that the most important art is the art being created now and that it defines this generation. Having that class discussion and going to the concert brought to my attention that these young ambitious students are those who will be remembered by and associated with our generation for years to come. It was a wonderful way to experience our the BYU Campus atmosphere along with the other students.

This term I plan on attending the Farmers Market, a movie screening in my home neighborhood of East Millcreek in Salt Lake City, and an art exhibit. I don't know what else, but I'm pretty excited to attend one each week.