Not having been trained as a visual artist I often forget that the things we see in the visual arts have their own vocabulary and language. When I watch traditional Japanese theatre forms I am reminded of how little I train my eye to look at visual art. Though our own stages have detailed visual backgrounds – delving into the world of realism leaves little room for the development of an in-depth visual language that works through the abstract. Like the Japanese Kimono the visual layers seen on a Kabuki or Noh stage are filled with layers upon layer of meaning. As a casual reader of the visual I am astounded by how little I know – and how much there can be to learn in the world of the visual.
It saddens me that the various art departments around campus are so separate – and I wonder if we had more contact with the visual arts department if we would not experience a richer sense of visual languages in our own theatre forms.
Though I have little understanding and no skill in the visual arts I am amazed by what I can learn about creating and the creative process from the visual arts. I have heard that many martial artists also studied calligraphy – and I wonder how my own art would grow if I spent more time looking into and studying the visual language of arts.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I think about that too Sarah. I know that when I am working on a story, I often turn on music. I utilize different types depending on the mood of the characters I am developing and find that different traits emerge with the different types of music I choose. When I get really stuck, I look at visual art. Sculpture inspires me, especially well. I get lost in the possibilities of what would this piece do if it could move. "The Thinker" is one of my all time favorites.
But, I am also drawn to pieces with interesting use of color. I have always found myself drawn to Monet. I get lost in his color choices and blending.
Wouldn't it be interesting to have an Arts brainstorming session on campus that included students from all departments? Imagine what could emerge from that?
Well aren't we really a visual culture? Why are movies so successful? Why do we love online video games? Do we not think that more muscular people are more attractive?? I do not think the difference with Japan and us is that they are more visually oriented than we are. I believe that they are more spiritual. Their theatre is one of Zen and has very major connections to the spiritual performance rather than the entertainment value. We, however, want it faster, bigger, and louder. Hardly anyone in our culture loves foreign love films. Why? Because they aren't blowing up buildings or having an action paced car sequence; those films are all about the spiritual connection between two kindred loves. And in another language where I would have to interpret emotions-- get out! We are visual. However, we are not patient. And we live in a society where we are constantly striving to overtake or be the best at something. So, when it comes to our theatre we are stiving to incorporate more special effects. We are even now trying to incorporate digital media people into our "live" theatre experience.
Post a Comment