Art is a good example of non-verbal communication albeit in a linear form. A person would evaluate the painting and then attach meanings to what the artist of the piece of art is trying to convey to the viewer. Because each person interpret the drawings differently, they also at the same time attach different value to it. Which is why we can see some people who are willing to pay a fortune to get these pieces of art.
"Mona Lisa"
by Leonardo da Vinci
Taken from: http://iransam.persiangig.com/image/davinchi/Mona_Lisa.jpg
In the case of the work of Leonardo da Vinci, the “Mona Lisa” is a piece of drawing of a woman. To the eyes of layman, this famous piece of painting seemed to be not as spectacular as what they would have expected it to be. This is probably due to the fact that we are unable to discern certain non-verbal cues employed by da Vinci in this particular painting. Of course we may never know whether or not this painting is hailed as famous just because everyone is following everyone in claiming that the painting was magnificent. It may be Idols of the Theatre at work where everyone just conforms to a false belief.
"The Persistence of Memory"
by Salvador Dali
Taken from: http://www.icode6.net/Benia/bio/images/like/persistence_of_memory.jpg
This is another painting, “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali. This painting is different because of they way the painting is drawn. It is surrealistic. This painting has even more non-verbal cues expressing the ideas of the artist. Dali uses surrealism to portray abstract ideas across to the audience.
Non-verbal cues present in paintings are subjected to different interpretations by different people. The way we are brought up will influence the way we view things. Thus, we might not be able to fully understand what the artists are trying to convey. These artists might have multiple meanings hidden in the painting, which results in many differing opinions. For all we know, they might not even have any message that they want to convey to the viewers and it is just us who are trying hard to look into the painting for hidden meanings.
Although non-verbal cues play a major role in communication, we should not be over obsessed with it as we might create delusions of some sort by interpreting meaning from nothing.
11 comments:
a great post about art!
however, i feel that art does not really apply the use of non-verbal communication. because it may just be a pathway for the artist to express his emotions or other meanings. the artist may have no intentions of passing on any form of message so i do not really agree that drawings use non-verbal cues. but yes, it is no doubt that paintings may not no meaning at all and that we're reading too much in between the lines.
feel free to back your point up with concrete arguments =)
Hey Amanda,
I feel that when the artists wants to express himself in the painting, he will be transmitting some form of non-verbal cues to the viewer and that in a way is a form of non-verbal communications. The reason why i feel so is that there are no use of language and it is receiver centered.
Even in the case when there is no meaning intended by the artists, non-verbal communications is still taking place because people are still interpreting it. Non-verbal communications takes place when one attaches meanings to a certain cues.
Thus, I feel art apply the use of non-verbal communications.
Thank you for your comments. :)
hey KS, i just realized we used the same title for our blogs, haha! well.. non-verbal cues are indeed excellent tools in communication skills. in fact, we needn't learn it at all!
not only in arts, but in people also. we can sense it when people is angry or sad, just by their expressions and the way they reply you. it is even done in flirting! when women tries her best to attract guys... :p
To : buzz
I wish I know those type of girls you are talking about.HAHAHAHA!
Classical art used to be a brilliant form of communication.Although I guess it was out of necessity.It was the one of only 2 ways to truly capture a moment or imagination.
Now ,in this current century modern art is branching out into an ever expanding gallery of artistically concepts showcasing both the genius and stupidity of artist.(in my opinion =D ) because of the onslaught of easily accessible media and media making devices.
The days of beautiful classical paintings ans sculptures is long gone.
Pity.
Yes, I agree with your last paragraph about not over-analysing non verbal cues because it might just lead to people accusing each other because of the subtle body language etc.
As for the art, I feel that they also bring out different perspectives that people have. It's just like people can have different opinions about the Mona Lisa painting. Some felt that it was peaceful whereas others think that it was a cunning smile. Ultimately, it depends on how the viewers sees it.
Non-verbal cues are part and parcel of daily lifes. However, as you have pointed out, it is important not to place too much emphasis on it, as we could possibly misinterpret the intended meaning.
Art itself is a sophicated and deep form of communication, and so should be analysed critically instead of just depending on non-verbal cues.
Using non-verbal cues to make assumptions is just how humans work. The only way to eradicate these assumptions is to ensure that we do not use these assumptions to judge a person as a whole.
As for the paintings, i believe that these paintings are used in conveying a particular message/idea by the artist. In a way, it is a good method of expressing thoughts with the usage of non-verbal communication.
Analyzing a painting, would mean that one would be able to tell the mood of the artist. Could it be it's a happy drawing or a sad drawing. If it is an abstract drawing, then what does the artist want us to depict from it? The colors and texture used is a form of the use of non-verbal communication. Just like if we are feeling sad, naturally we might not want to wear something bright.
All said, I feel that paintings are the most interesting art of communication where different people have different perceptions on it and that there is no way that one could say that the perception of the other person is wrong.
Good choice of topic, Kaisiang! =)
Good post KS! =) like how you used the different paintings to bring out your point too.
I do agree that yes, there is nonverbal communication can be conveyed through a painting to the people who see it. Art would bring out different perspective and interpretations from various people.
by the way, i totally agree on your concrete argument on what amanda rebutted on. =)
a picture speaks a thousand words no doubt. Not only does paintings portray non-verbal cues, they send messages that the painter wants to convey to the audiences/people.
good example given by you to show non verbal cues (:
I wonder if artists just create paintings on a whim, not based on any particular meaning at all. Like, just random figments of their longings or whatever's in their mind at that time. So yes, I agree with your point that sometimes we shouldn't make too much of a big deal out of nothing.
The interesting thing about paintings is that you can pull so many different meanings from it. Not only interpretations of what the painting means to you, but also how it makes you feel. I remember I was in an art gallery once with my mother and we looked at a painting of a man and a woman in a bicycle dressed in village clothes and looking very laid back. My mother loved the painting because its sepia tones and subject imbued her with a sense of nostalgia from the kampung she grew up in. However, I felt nothing for the painting because I couldn't relate to it at all. In the end, our perceptual sets will determine our analysis of most things.
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