PERSONAL EXPRESSION By Olivia Hannant
Art, as a medium with few rules and regulations, presents itself as the perfect instrument for personal expression. The perspective that art itself is purely imitation had been challenged through time and subsequently in the late 19th century was replaced with the theory of expression. Instead of reflecting states of the outer world, art is held to reflect the inner state of the artist.
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The definition of art itself is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Art is a universal practice that spans diverse human cultures, making it a defining characteristic of our species. In contemporary societies, the visual arts blend harmoniously with music, dance, and various rituals that commemorate significant life events, death, religious beliefs, and political expressions. Additionally, language plays a vital role in artistic expression, whether it’s through the medium of poetry, song, or storytelling. The categorisation of art into distinct eras might appear simplistic and limiting, as it fails to fully grasp the complexity and intentions of the artists. Personal expression through art is not a characteristic solely attributed to modern movements; evidence shows that even Upper Palaeolithic Europeans, over 30,000 years ago, demonstrated a conceptual equivalence in their art forms to those of more recent centuries. This suggests that human cognition, symbolising activity, and anatomy were already ‘modern’ by that time.
“The art of permanent skin decoration has been an ancient tradition spanning thousands of years.”
The origins of artistic behaviour can be traced back to early forms of body decoration, where ancient ideas, influenced by African tribes, were expressed through skin colouringAmong the earliest known patterns are zig-zag and criss-cross designs, as well as nested curves and parallel lines, which were created independently of the human body. The capacity to create images from the imagination, known as ‘the mind’s eye,’ marked a pivotal evolutionary change in the neural structures that underpin perception. This cognitive shift likely offered survival advantages in both tool-making and hunting activities.
“Art has always been about expression, no matter the metaphorical or physical canvas”
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Notably, the analysis of early tool-making techniques indicates that the process of creating 3D objects, such as sculptures and reliefs, involves a cognitive deconstruction into a series of surfaces—a principle that might have been applied to early sculpture.The ability to create art separate from the human body likely originated in Africa, but the practice may have emerged at different times among genetically and culturally distinct groups, both within Africa and during global dispersal.
This diverse development led to the regional variety observed in ancient and more recent art forms. Where there is no strict definition of art, we as humans mainly prioritise aesthetics. The art of permanent skin decoration has been an ancient tradition spanning thousands of years. Throughout history, humanity has adorned itself with meaningful symbols, expressions of love, religious beliefs, and protective amulets. On the other hand, tattoos have also been used as a form of punishment, leaving indelible marks on individuals.
