The Relevance of Art Appreciation in Visual Art Practice

Abstract

This study showcases the essence of engaging the tools and language of Art Appreciation by the studio artist in generating interest, understanding and entertainment in a given art form. It is observed that many budding and practising visual artists who produce good works of art are not able to speak to their works and this keeps the meaning embedded in these works out of the purview of the consuming and buying public. This does not help to promote the visual art culture in society. This paper thus aims at enlightening practising visual artists on the need to be fully equipped with the desired skill to illuminate the essence and sensibilities of their creation, for it to be better appreciated by the populace. Several literatures were reviewed bothering on the concept and history of Art appreciation, Aesthetics- meaning, goals and judgmental criteria for ascertaining the beauty of art forms produced. An analysis of an untitled Mural painting to exemplify the subject matter under discourse is thus presented. It is found that the knowledge of art criticism is a "sine qua non" for the artists who are expected to verbalize their artworks to make them more meaningful, academic and entertaining thereby pushing forth visual art productions to the frontiers of knowledge.