Since man has walked upon the earth, the power of art has been a strong tool. To all intents and purposes it has served as an alternate means of communication. This isn't quite so far-fetched when you think back on early man.
These individuals might have had the power of speech but were quite often nomadic. Therefore they would have needed a way of imparting certain information, such as the location of fresh water or the best hunting areas. Many think that this is one of the purposes of the many cave drawings that have been found throughout the world. So it would seem that even as far back as then, art was being used, as it was universally understood.
There are many people who will be familiar with the old adage "A picture paints a thousand words", and this seems to bear out the theory that art is a universal language. Art, as a medium, has been used to impart, or enforce, messages for a very long time. Art was seen as an ideal medium for spreading the word about religion to the masses. As a consequence art and religion are often seen as being hand in hand.
This was mainly because the common man was largely illiterate, and the majority of their learning came by word of mouth. These religious teachings would often be backed up by paintings of a religious nature. Although at that time art was solely for the well to do, the common person did get to see it as they served their masters or in the larger churches and cathedrals. Quite often it was used to depict scenes from religious works, which would be become accepted as the normal.
People have been aware about the powerful message that art can convey for a long time now. This might be why art is often used by propaganda units during times of conflict, as it can be used to depict a biased view of events. It can also be used to raise the public's sense of national identity and awareness. No matter which side you view things from they will both try to depict that they are on the side of the just compared to their enemy.
One purpose behind propaganda is to bring public perception round to a certain point of view. As an illustration take WWII campaign to bring women into the industrial workplace, this was conducted with great success. This campaign helped to adjust the preconception about social norms, and at the same time assisted with the war effort.
Even today art is still being used to great effect against the public. Just pick up any magazine and find a picture that is being used to market a product or brand. Even though it is an advertisement it can also be considered as art, despite a camera being used and not brushes and paints.
The power of art has always been used in various ways. Some would say for both good and bad, depending upon their viewpoint. Thanks to art people get to see glimpses of society as it used to be, and how it has evolved. Although they should be aware that these images are the interpretations of the artist, and their sponsors, so the power to shape minds is still there.
These individuals might have had the power of speech but were quite often nomadic. Therefore they would have needed a way of imparting certain information, such as the location of fresh water or the best hunting areas. Many think that this is one of the purposes of the many cave drawings that have been found throughout the world. So it would seem that even as far back as then, art was being used, as it was universally understood.
There are many people who will be familiar with the old adage "A picture paints a thousand words", and this seems to bear out the theory that art is a universal language. Art, as a medium, has been used to impart, or enforce, messages for a very long time. Art was seen as an ideal medium for spreading the word about religion to the masses. As a consequence art and religion are often seen as being hand in hand.
This was mainly because the common man was largely illiterate, and the majority of their learning came by word of mouth. These religious teachings would often be backed up by paintings of a religious nature. Although at that time art was solely for the well to do, the common person did get to see it as they served their masters or in the larger churches and cathedrals. Quite often it was used to depict scenes from religious works, which would be become accepted as the normal.
People have been aware about the powerful message that art can convey for a long time now. This might be why art is often used by propaganda units during times of conflict, as it can be used to depict a biased view of events. It can also be used to raise the public's sense of national identity and awareness. No matter which side you view things from they will both try to depict that they are on the side of the just compared to their enemy.
One purpose behind propaganda is to bring public perception round to a certain point of view. As an illustration take WWII campaign to bring women into the industrial workplace, this was conducted with great success. This campaign helped to adjust the preconception about social norms, and at the same time assisted with the war effort.
Even today art is still being used to great effect against the public. Just pick up any magazine and find a picture that is being used to market a product or brand. Even though it is an advertisement it can also be considered as art, despite a camera being used and not brushes and paints.
The power of art has always been used in various ways. Some would say for both good and bad, depending upon their viewpoint. Thanks to art people get to see glimpses of society as it used to be, and how it has evolved. Although they should be aware that these images are the interpretations of the artist, and their sponsors, so the power to shape minds is still there.
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