Art History is about the feelings, ideas, and events of different cultures throughout history, recorded by any form of art. By studying art we connect to the past and discover ourselves in the present.
To me, art history is much like story telling. As thinking human beings we have the need to communicate ideas and feelings. Art is the universal way of communicating throughout time because when we look at art, it doesn’t matter what language we speak, we can all appreciate and capture its message.
Some art can make us feel happy, sad or whatever feeling the artist was trying to get across. When we look at artwork that moves us, it is because we think of our own personal experience, as we connect with the artist’s artwork.
From pre-historic times, with cave men drawing on cave walls about their environment to modern times, with modern men painting murals in our cities, people have been telling their stories through art.
Art history is about past events and changes that are made visible to us through the artist’s interpretation of what led to these events and ideas. Perhaps their interpretation would differ from actual history facts but only through our own research can we learn about history.
One can research past events not only by reading history books, learning about cultures and a particular era, but also by studying the background of the artist, as well as the artwork’s style of painting.
Children need to be to expose to as many different artists and their artwork, and encouraged to think and talk about what they see and feel. We need to supportively provide the resources and materials they need, and a place where they can do their work.
Sometimes we can take advantage of normal everyday activities to talk about art with our children. For instance, if someone mentions Leonardo DiCaprio, you can ask them if they know that there was a famous artist named Leonardo.
If your child does a piece of artwork that resembles a certain artist’s style, you can say it looks like a Kandinsky or Picasso, whatever artist it reminds you and together look more into it. If your child loves flowers, show him or her artwork by Georgia O’Keeffe.
Children can do on their own research and perhaps even use it for extra credit in school. They can write about their findings and express their ideas through their own artwork, but the most important thing is to have fun exploring art.
Gladys Jimenez is a mother, entrepreneur, artist, and author. She currently lives in Escondido, California, with her two teenage children, two dogs, and cat. Visit http://www.happyscribbles.net or email: Gladys@happyscribbles.net.
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