Volume 11 Issue 9 September, 2021
Finding a still point in the churning world
Editor, MINDS,
Faculty, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS) Raipur, Chhattisgarh Twitter
I try to imagine, somewhere in the timeframe, the primitive human must have incurved the first mural on the wall, someone must have carved out a stone, and someone must have voiced a rhyme for the first time, it must have given them a strange feeling, Beyond, basic need of food and shelter, beyond survival instinct, something in clear distinction from animal, something to be more human had happened.
The human mind has a strong affinity for expression, perhaps language is just not enough to shape complex ideas of the human brain. Art provided a constructive exit to our pent-up emotions and thoughts. The evolutionary aspect of creating art argues that artistic behaviour has something to do with survival; Art evolved to bind people together in a standard set of beliefs, values, and identity, increasing chances of survival. Surprisingly much of the art is solitude activities. Artistic behaviour also helps to pass crucial information to the subsequent generation. While some argued that art is just a manifestation of human impulse, humans have an innate desire to elaborate, beautify their surroundings.
Nevertheless, art provides the opportunity to showcase one’s intelligence, personality and skills, which otherwise could not be known to a potential mate. Evolutionists argue by citing an example of a peacock, peacock evolved with a very beautiful feathers to attract peahen, despite the fact the colorful feathers may invite unwanted predators costing him as poor chances of survival. The evolution of artistic behaviour is perhaps not just limited to finding a potential mate; nature must have other plans too. The people with artistic behaviour may also have some disadvantages. Like peacock peafowl, they may not be fit in well, considered odd and eccentric in a group or face criticism from society.
In humans, artistic behaviour is much more complex; it influences behaviour by developing a solid affective mindset. We should not forget that artistic abilities also encompassed mathematical skills, astronomy, rhetoric, and science, which have contributed greatly to human civilization. Art has evolved, imbibing the cultural, spiritual, and philosophical essence of each genre, revealing a grand tale of human civilization, showcasing masterpiece creations and wonders of the world on the timeline of the history of humankind.
The history of humankind is full of stories of exemplary creation, showing no sign of getting tired of pushing human limits. Art provides solace from worries, expression to feeling, and a sense of happiness. Art seems to be the still point in this churning world.
