How and why visual artworks make for effective visual socio-political statements and arguments?

What is art? Art is defined as the expression and application of one’s creativity, typically in the form of something visual. The definition of art is in the eyes of the beholder. Many dig far too deep into the doubtfulness of the actually definition of art itself that they forget to appreciate the significance of art in their lives. Art is also an expression of life which an individual express their feeling through art. Artists will use their form of artwork to pass along their views and feelings. Their importance and value to society has remained the same throughout history.

Visual art works for effective visual socio political statements by saying the real and not the reel happenings. For example, the painting of Juan Luna, Spoliarium. Based on National Museum, the painting features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the bloody carnage brought by gladiatorial matches. At the center of Spoliarium painting are fallen gladiators being dragged by Roman soldiers. On the left, spectators passionately await their chance to strip off the combatants of their metal helmets and other armory. In contrast with the charged emotions featured on the left, the right side meanwhile presents a somber mood. An old man carries a torch perhaps searching for his son while a woman weeps the death of her loved one.

This art depicts the truth behind the story of the painting or an art. Maybe this is also a kind of communication. Communication is not necessarily art. Art does not equal communication, but all art is communication. What makes art different and special is that a communication that has value. People consider a communication art when it is excellent. Perhaps a better word than value would be quality. This is how people, ordinary everyday people use the word art. Nothing has been invented here. The word “art” is used to describe any communication that can be valued as to excellence.

By: Jenine Anglo