I remember hearing the word ‘aesthetics’ for the first time when I was in my Higher secondary school. The concept was introduced to me in a course of “Film Appreciation”. The teacher then spoke of the importance of aesthetics in cinema, and in art as a whole. In fact aesthetics is at the core of art – the very thing on which art hinges on. Ever since then I have seen lots of artistic works and gradually been also involved in the production of art. However I must confess that I never really learned the principles of art and aesthetics the way it has been put forward to me in the iMedia Course of Visual Aesthetics. So in that way the Course was a great eye-opener for me.
Earlier aesthetics were mentioned in a passing manner, or with a summarized reference, whenever I had done a short course of training in audio-visual media. However this time this course has been much more detailed and focused as to what Aesthetics in art really means, and what its underlying principles are. The connection between traditional forms of artistic expression and the modern electronic artistic expression have been also stressed to add clarity to my understanding.
It is very important to give attention to visual aesthetics ever more in today’s world. Before the digital media of communication came into prevalence people were used only to traditional modes of artistic expression and its consumption. The products of art had less chance of being widely circulated. People as a whole had less opportunity to interact with arts from world over. However with the advent of the electronic media the whole wide world comes into your drawing room. Today a person gets a lot more exposure to art products from different parts of the world than a person who lived just a few decades ago. This person’s communication has also become very interactive. In other words his openness and experience of art and aesthetics has changed dramatically. Therefore it is essential more than ever to give great importance to visual aesthetics while creating interactive artifacts today. I realize that I, as a media “prosumer”, have to give bigger priority to this in my professional life.
During this semester apart from the theory/theories of art it was possible to come to know and learn about professionals who have made a mark in the field of art and design – through documentaries and writings. The assignments given in class were also very great learning experiences for me: be it photographic, graphic, motion graphic or product design. In this context I must say that the final Project was a great challenge for me since I had to design a product the like of which I had never used, or even held in my hands – the iPhone.
Besides these, the course was also a learning experience with regard to the necessity of Planning, – conceptually and graphically. Without a clear plan it is difficult to execute a good artistic work. Another very valuable learning point was the necessity to give attention to details: for precsion and beauty, as well as for the sake of professionalism.
Here after in my career I hope to be engaged in the production of artistic works, especially in the field of the Internet and audiovisuals. I am sure that the learning and experience gained in this course is going to be of immense help in being a true professional.