Art in culture
Art is a vehicle in which cultures and traditions are passed on from one generation to the next. Whether through the spoken word, a written poem, a painting, a sculpture, a song or a dance, art stimulates the senses and enhances creativity. Art is didactic, yet entertaining. Art is expressive, therapeutic and brings out the best in all of us.
Culture in history
Thousands of years in recorded history show glorious triumphs and costly blunders. The good, the bad, the brave and the arrogant are all movements in history, propelling our civilization forward or setting it back.
History repeats itself because human nature remains the same. By studying and learning from our past mistakes, lessons can be learned enhancing our lives. These lessons enable us to illuminate and promote legacies of positive influence.
We can reach our potential in life by following the example of great traditions.
Culture and tradition in life
The world is rich in culture and tradition. People who in turn were influenced by their environment shaped their legacy. Customs and art were born out of necessity or simply the need for self-expression.
Our traditions are a wealth of information about the past and bring us closer to our ancestor's roots.
Today, although our life is dynamic, and technology-driven, we often find that studying the past will receive guidance towards morality, family values, self-improvement and integrity.
Tradition in art
In the ancient Greek world of the 12th Century B.C., the poet Homer immortalized glorious deeds of brave men and women. In a war-driven society, the power of the sword was the subject of praise and embellishment.
Today, we live under the spell of technology. Although, everything seems possible and attainable through science, it is our culture and tradition where we seek advice, guidance and comfort.
In the times of unwritten language, Homer sang about the legacies of the ancient Greeks. In our world of multimedia it is the film industry where we can find the echoes of our present culture. Successful film makers of our day, bring that message forward.
For example, Steven Spielberg, driven by his faith and culture, committed his creative energy and financial resources more and more towards films and projects, which promote and enhance culture and tradition. The box-office appeal of his movies like "Schiendler's List" suggests that the public endorses his effort wholeheartedly.
Similarly, Martin Scorsese was influenced greatly by his Sicilian heritage. The early Italian cinema brought him closer to his roots and shaped him as an artist. His family's culture influenced him and shaped him as a person. "My Voyage To Italy" is Scorsese's admirable documentary on the positive influence his Sicilian culture had on his art and life.
Hollywood executives noticed when "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" took the world by storm. The overwhelming financial success of this movie was based on a warm and real story of a culture.
Despite the obvious lack of big budget special effects or superstars taking the leading roles, the film was successful beyond belief. According to Time magazine, (March 3rd, 2003),
"Having pulled in more than $240 million (on a $5 million budget)it is about to pass "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as the 26th biggest-grossing movie of all time."
The film is a narrative of Nia Vandalos' life and her old-world Greek family culture.
The script came from the heart, it touched many people and delivered a solid cross-cultural message.
An African-American from the South, a Jew from New York and an immigrant from South Korea had the same comments to make:
"That film was just like my family!" Probably they refer to the fact that close-knitted families tend to be load and get
to each other's business very often uninvited. Surely, they also imply the legacy of tradition and respect for culture.
They suggest the apparent love and care within a family. They crave for the benefit of early guidance and protection
within the community.
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