We explain what artistic language is, what types exist and their characteristics. Also, what are the elements that make it up.
What is artistic language?
The artistic language It is the set of conventions and codes used by the different forms of art to build meanings that is, the different ways in which art manifests and expresses itself. Artistic languages are also known as artistic disciplines, since each one comprises a set of specific techniques and ways to create meaning and communicate through art.
Unlike other forms of communication, artistic language generates an aesthetic experience, which moves or invites us to reflect on issues related to human existence and our way of being in the world. Therefore, artistic languages are essentially subjective, meaning that their message can be interpreted in multiple ways.
However, art handles specific codes that can be studied and interpreted in a formal way, which allows generating reflections, appreciating meanings and producing ideas from works of art and their place in a culture.
artistic languages They are part of the cultural heritage of humanity since they have existed since our origins. Each society, each era and each culture produces its own art forms, and each art form uses a particular language: techniques, codes and elements that distinguish it, identify it and allow it to recognize and understand the works that are produced within its limits.
Artificial language: The term artistic language should not be confused with that of artistic language either artificial tonguewhich refers to languages created within the framework of works of fiction, such as Elvish in the work of JRR Tolkien or Klingon in the television saga Star Trek.
See also: Artistic manifestation
Types of artistic language
The classification of artistic languages is changing and increasingly complex, thanks to cultural transformations and crossovers between disciplines. In general, the following types can be distinguished.
Visual artistic languages
Visual artistic languages are those that use visual elements to express themselves, such as shapes, colors, lines and textures. Among them are:
- Paint. It is the art of generating two-dimensional images with pigments applied to a surface.
- Sculpture. It is the art of creating three-dimensional works with textures and volumes from materials that can be modeled, carved or assembled.
- Facility It is the artistic form that uses means and materials to build spaces or environments that can be traveled through or with which it is possible to physically interact.
- Architecture. It is the art of planning, designing and building living spaces, such as houses, buildings, parks or bridges.
Stage artistic languages
Scenic artistic languages are those that use the body or voice of the artist to manifest themselves. They are dynamic, that is, they manifest and develop over a certain time, and involve interaction between the artist and the audience (except in the case of recorded music). The main ones are:
- Theater. It is the art that uses acting, costumes, scenery and music to represent stories or situations on stage.
- Music. It is the art of organizing sounds in time through rhythm and melody.
- Dance. It is artistic expression through the movement of the body.
Literary artistic languages
Literary artistic languages are the different genres that use words as a means of expression. Among them are:
- Narrative. It is the art of telling stories through the structured development of a plot, with characters and situations.
- Dramaturgy. It is the creation of written works intended to be performed by actors and actresses on stage.
- Poetry. It is the form of expression that explores the various meanings of words to transmit emotions or ideas in an aesthetic way.
Elements of artistic languages
Each artistic language comprises a set of elements that constitute and define it. There are elements common to all artistic languages and others specific to each of the various disciplines.
Among the elements common to all artistic languages they are counted:
- Sign
The sign is the fundamental element of meaning of an artistic language, that is, the minimum unit that allows each art to create meaning. It can be visual (shape, texture, color), sound (note, chord, melody, silence), tactile (texture, temperature, form, material) or verbal (word, verse, figure of speech). The sign depends on the system of cultural codes in which it is inserted, that is, it is determined by the norms, principles and customs of a culture. For example, the color white does not mean the same in Western culture, where it is associated with peace and purity, as it does in some Asian cultures, where it is related to death and mourning.
- Code
Codes are the conventions and rules that make it possible to produce, interpret and understand an artistic fact, that is, the set of rules that give meaning to a work of art. The codes determine which signs are harmonious or beautiful, which themes are important or which techniques are appropriate for each artistic language in a given era or culture. This means that its meaning is not static: it can vary between different artistic disciplines and transforms or evolves over time. For example, in fashion design, red is related to sensuality, while in religious sculpture it is linked to death and sacrifice.
- Context
The context is the cultural, social and historical environment in which an artistic message is produced and received, that is, the elements found around artistic communication. These elements are changing and determine the way in which that message is interpreted and understood. The same artistic sign can contain very different meanings in different contexts. For example, medieval art can be appreciated today for its aesthetic and historical value, without considering its original religious implications.
On the other hand, among the specific elements for each of the artistic languages can be mentioned:
- The color. It is the physical perception of light that is reflected from a surface. It is fundamental to the visual arts.
- The space. It is the physical environment in which a work of art takes place or is presented.
- The movement. It is the displacement or change of position of objects or people in space. It is key in performing arts such as dance or theater.
- the word. It is the unit of meaning of verbal language. It can be written or spoken, depending on the art form.
- The rhythm. It is the ordered repetition of elements based on pulse, accent, beat and tempo. It is fundamental in art forms such as music, literature and dance.
- time. This is the duration of the work of art, which varies depending on the artistic language. It is especially important in the performing and audiovisual arts.
Importance of artistic languages
artistic languages constitute a fundamental form of expression of humanity since they are capable of transmitting emotions, feelings, values, experiences and reflections in a prolonged and changing way over time. The fact that art endures and can be enjoyed and interpreted by several generations makes it an essential part of the historical, cultural and social legacy of humanity.
On the other hand, artistic languages They have therapeutic, educational, moral, political and religious applications which have been practiced since ancient times.
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References
- Calabrese, O. (1987). The language of art. Paidós.
- Durand, G. (2000). The symbolic imagination. Amorrortu.
- Gombrich, E. H. (1997). The history of art. Phaidon.
