Art as a Mirror of History and Human Experience

Why do we collect art? It is similar to the question of why we make art. The basic answer is humans have an obsessive compulsion to express themselves and art captures emotions, ideas, and experiences in ways that words alone cannot.

Through art we see the human experience, with our societal milestones, priorities, aspirations, struggles, and reality. As a species, we have continually tried to communicate our personal and shared experiences with others through sound, words, motion, color, shape, and space - creating what we call art.

Historical Role of Art

Some argue that it is our symbolism that defines us as humans, referring to humans as the Symbolic species, while others say that it is symbolism that defines the world for humans. Cultures, customs, and beliefs vary drastically worldwide. If there’s one thing all cultures have in common, it’s art, and art reflects human experience.

Art began as a symbolic means of expression, and symbolism is the basis for language and human thought. Early art, like the hand stencils found in Indonesian caves, were ways of communicating ideas, and experiences. These symbols marked the dawn of human complexity, laying the groundwork for language, culture, and social organization. When trying to understand human evolution, art shows the beginnings of complex social structures, the development of an aesthetic sense, cultural differentiation, and complex living sites. 

Art as a Universal Language

As art evolved from a symbolic form of expression, it became a universal language that speaks of the human condition, transcending cultural boundaries, and barriers. This can be seen in how various societies developed expressions of similar topics, i.e. cave paintings of families, and carvings of women-like figures on rocks. We have used art to express feelings and thoughts, as art is the most effective way to communicate beyond words. It allows people to delve into their emotions, transfer them to any canvas, and share their tales and thoughts. Whether you’re talking about a painting, sculpture, or any other artwork, the artist allows the viewer to explore their inner self. Artists, regardless of medium, have a unique vocabulary that goes beyond words.

Throughout the ages, artists have used their creative expressions to document significant events and challenge social norms, while immortalizing cultural values.  Where one artist sees censorship, another might see arguments for respect, tolerance, and community. Art will endure, and these conversations will continue to evolve.

As a lens through which to observe our past experiences, art history offers us far more than a collection of "greatest hits,” it provides a panoramic view of humanity itself, a timeline weaved from the very fibers of the human experience.

Preserving Human Experience

Modern art collectors play a crucial role in preserving a tradition that connects past, present and future. They are custodians of culture, promoters and supporters of artists and guardians of the pieces themselves. Collectors sustain the hope that future generations will continue to see art not just as a luxury, but as an integral part of the human story.

Though art collecting has been thought of as something reserved for the wealthy, that is not the case anymore. Art is not only a decorative object, form of entertainment or status symbol. It is a powerful tool that has shaped human history, providing a visual record of the past, challenging social norms, and expressing the cultural values of different societies. With the rise of digital art, and virtual galleries, art has never been more accessible and all it takes is a simple decision.

A decision about how we live and what we choose to preserve. It is about passion and not wealth. Becoming an art collector is a decision that allows you the opportunity to be part of a living tradition, preserving culture, supporting artists, and helping shape the future of human expression.

Start small, explore what moves you, and enjoy the journey.