Ars Longa, Vita Brevis

Over time and across cultures, art is a representation of self – either individual self or a more socially representational self. People create art for any number of reasons. Early cavemen created their archaic drawings to tell stories and represent history. Political painters create pieces to make statements about the world. Other artists use different forms of expressionism to expose their personal sentiments and release accrued emotions. Art long outlives its creators to lend advice or warnings to following generations.
Whether expressed as a sonnet, a painting, a musical composition or other more unconventional forms, artwork allows the audience a glimpse into the individual, in such a way that transcends language barriers. It conveys stories and captures abstract moments and ideas, carrying a far more profound message than vocalization ever could. By presenting their emotions in a visual manner, artists are exposed to the world, their flaws, weaknesses and personal strengths, alike. Despite the vulnerability, however, people continue to create art. In my Communication Studies class we learned that a painting (as one specific example) embodies all four types of communication – interpersonal, intrapersonal, small group communication and mass communication. It is a way of connecting with yourself, it is a way of connecting with someone else, It can be shared at a small scale, on personal display, or it can be disclosed on a large scale as in a museum.
Art is the most versatile and expressive form of communication. While the famous composer Johann Sebastian Bach spoke only German, people all over the world are able to enjoy his music. Although the painter, Claude Monet was a Frenchman, his colors and expressionism speak, wordlessly, across cultures. On the same token, more alternative artists, using different mediums also speak the same universal language. For example, Mohammad Ali's unconventional grace is a different form of art and gives him a different