BANGANI ART FOUNDATION
Symposiums
BEYOND THE CANVAS
Three Essential Elements in Art: WHY, WHAT & HOW
Art is not merely a medium; it is a spiritual journey—an intense vehicle through which an artist expresses emotions, thoughts, and lived experiences. This journey navigates through three fundamental questions: ‘Why’, ‘What’, and ‘How’. These questions inspire the artist to explore the deeper meanings behind the purpose, process, and expression of their art. Let us explore each of these three elements in depth.
------Jagmohan Bangani (Founder BAF)
An Evening of Art & Dialogue (10th February 2025)
‘Why’ – The Purpose of Making Art
To understand the purpose behind art, one must first acknowledge that each artist is driven by unique motivations. The question of ‘why’ reveals the deeply personal and intrinsic reasons that guide an artist’s work. Art is not merely a commercial activity; it is also an emotional, intellectual, and psychological process.
Some artists use art to express their inner emotions and personal struggles. For them, art becomes a tool through which they can share their personal world, battles, joys, and sorrows with the external world. Their artworks often reflect life experiences, unique perspectives, and inner growth. On the other hand, some artists are driven by a desire to bring about social change. Through art, they highlight the flaws, inequalities, injustices, and insensitivities in society. Art based on social issues and movements not only expresses personal thought but also challenges societal perspectives and raises awareness.
For some, art is the creation of beauty. These artists view art as a symbol of harmony, symmetry, and grace. Their purpose is to offer viewers a beautiful and meaningful experience, often aiming to evoke a sense of peace and aesthetic delight. Additionally, for some artists, art is a means of livelihood. They see art as a profession, a way to support their families and grow personally. At times, artists create art for pure self-fulfillment. Their practice becomes a reflection of inner journeys, feelings, and thoughts expressed without any external expectations.
Ultimately, the question of ‘why’ helps an artist recognize and understand the core purpose of their art. It offers them a chance to clarify their vision, determining not only the direction of their artistic path but also deepening their creative journey with intention and meaning.
‘What’ – The Subject Matter of Art
The subject matter of art is not merely an idea—it is the soul of an artist’s creation. It not only distinguishes their works from those of others but also adds uniqueness and innovation. An artist’s sensitivities, interests, and lived experiences with society shape their subject. When seeking the answer to ‘what’, the artist essentially articulates an idea, emotion, or deep self-awareness through their art. It’s not just about depicting an event but also echoing the hidden emotions and questions embedded within it.
Speaking about my own work, my paintings seamlessly absorb elements of spirituality, positivity, and sacredness. Through language, culture, memory, and spiritual symbols, I strive to construct a visual world that not only invites viewers into contemplation but also inspires them toward introspection.
The reconstruction of language and words plays a central role in my paintings. My works transform linguistic structures and memories into visual forms, revealing personal experiences and psychological depth. This fusion of written word and visual art uncovers the subtle layers of society and culture, encouraging viewers to think from a renewed perspective.
‘How’ – The Process and Technique of Art
The question of ‘how’ provides a deeper understanding of the artistic process and technique. When we talk about an artist’s creative process, it’s not limited to the surface layout or final presentation of the work. It includes the amalgamation of ideas, technical skills, and creative intuition. This question helps uncover details about the mediums, techniques, and processes an artist employs. Let’s examine this through key points:
Artistic Process:
The artist’s process resembles a journey, where thought, expression, and technical expertise converge into a new form. This spans across various stages of art-making. For instance, in painting, it begins with an idea and creative imagination, followed by sketching, selection of colors and textures, and finally the presentation. In each phase, the artist uses technical skill to materialize their vision. Some artists adopt an experimental approach during this journey, challenging their own limitations and exploring new media and methods.
Technical Skill and Experimentation:
Technical proficiency lends distinctiveness to an artist’s work. Do they use traditional techniques like oil painting, watercolor, or classical sculpture? Or do they turn to contemporary methods such as digital art, 3D printing, or mixed media? Many contemporary artists seek to transcend traditional boundaries through new technologies. For example, when an artist combines traditional oil painting with digital techniques, they initiate a new artistic dialogue—both technically challenging and contemporarily engaging.
Innovation and Mixed Techniques:
A key consideration is how the artist brings innovation into their work. Are they developing a unique style by merging various materials and techniques? For instance, if a sculptor integrates classical stone carving with metal and mixed materials, they offer a fresh perspective and form, introducing the audience to a distinctive idea and viewpoint.
Style and Uniqueness:
The answer to ‘how’ directly defines an artist’s style and artistic identity. The technique chosen and the way it is implemented reflect the artist’s practice and personal signature. For example, in my own practice, I blend abstract thoughts, symbols, and word forms rooted in spirituality and positive thinking. I integrate traditional and modern techniques—an approach that sets my work apart from others.
Importance of Technical Mastery:
The significance of technical expertise in art-making cannot be ignored. When an artist has deep knowledge of various aspects of their art, their work becomes more powerful and refined. Whether it is oil, watercolor, or digital media—technical mastery not only enhances beauty but also gives the work a thoughtful and profound identity.
Ultimately, the question of ‘how’ urges the artist to reflect on their process, technique, and style. It reveals not just the technical excellence of the work, but also the innovation and creative thinking embedded within it.
The three questions—‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘how’—not only clarify the artist’s ideas and vision but also provide a deep insight into the artistic process. They compel the artist to reflect on purpose, content, and skill, making their work more intentional and impactful.
A thorough examination of these three elements not only offers the artist a chance to make their art more meaningful and purposeful but also inspires society and the world to see things from a fresh perspective. Art is not just the creation of beauty—it is the profound expression of human experiences and thoughts.
When an artist reflects on ‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘how’, their art becomes more vivid, profound, and powerful. In this way, art becomes not only the expression of a personal soul but also a powerful medium of social and cultural dialogue. These questions offer the artist a space to share new ideas and perspectives through their work, transforming art into a living, complete, and resonant experience.