Page 249 - EducationWorld November 2020

SPECIAL ESSAY

A Career in Fine Arts

n its most fundamental sense, fine designer, web designer, video game designer,
arts is about “art for art’s sake”. It photographer, photojournalist, film-maker,
centres around aesthetic value and videographer, multimedia artist, animator,
Icreative expression rather than utility cartoonist, teacher, researcher, and more.
or practical function. In fact, it functions as As art continues to converge with other
a means to bring ideas and concepts to life fields, the scope of creative perspectives is
through different materials, mediums, tools diversifying like never before, creating new
and techniques. Products of the fine arts avenues across the board. Art has moved
are appreciated for their intrinsic aesthetics, from the confines of galleries to everyday
intellectual properties, and imaginative values. life. Particularly in a digitally-powered era,
In its many avatars, art adds vibrance to the the art community is seeing a surge. The
world, questions the status quo, and inspires digital space has further opened the doors Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
people to think, feel or act. A career in fine for creativity to flow more freely, making art
arts draws on creativity, curiosity, courage and accessible, and positioning it an attractive From millennia-old cave paintings that give us
zeal; it is an enigmatic path that promises to career for talented youth. insights into a forgotten world, to modern-day
be filled with adventure. Skills of creativity, imagination, innovation, art that has filled galleries, streets and homes
The road to creatively-fulfilling futures aesthetic sensibilities, an eye for detail, across the globe with messages of climate
change, racism, war, peace, and so much
strong visual, written or oral communication,
For young people who thrive in creative more—there is an undeniable potency in art
environments, fine arts can be a pathway to excellent observation and analytical skills, to bridge social, political and cultural barriers.
socio-cultural exposure, dynamism, and even
a very creatively-fulfilling future. Indeed, it marketing skills, event management, and so It is a universal language that knows no
takes a leap of faith to pursue an otherwise on gained from experiences in the study and boundaries or constraints of time.
unconventional field beyond mainstream practice of the fine arts prepare an individual Take Pablo Picasso’s iconic political
academic choices. Yet it is the same to adventure into life. So whether you choose piece, ‘Guernica’, of 1937 that renders the
willingness to take chances and think outside to become a practising artist or channel a fine brutal aftermath of Nazi bombings on a small
the box that drives artists to carve a niche for arts perspective to develop your creativity into Spanish town—it has become a reminder
themselves. Traits of creativity and innovation any other profession, a future sown in fine arts of the tragedies of war; a timeless symbol
translate into an artist’s proclivity towards can reap exciting rewards. of peace. In recent times, the four-foot tall,
endurance in an ever-changing world. Armed bronze ‘Fearless Girl’ who so confidently stood
with imagination, one can look forward to Emerging options for freelance or her own facing the imposing ‘Charging Bull’
success in various opportunities. independent artists statue at Wall Street, New York, has become
The sense of freedom intrinsically
A diversity of skills & specialisations linked with creativity means that many a contemporary masterpiece. It will forever
Fine arts graduates develop a plethora of remain instilled as an intense moment of
creative skills. They establish strong roots in artists choose to work independently. The women’s empowerment. Between and beyond
possibility of establishing yourself as a
art forms ranging across painting, drawing, full-time professional in core fine arts areas these iconic works is an endless spectrum
sculpture, applied arts, photography, pottery, requires keen networking, promotion, and of art that has brought bits of beauty and
ceramics, printmaking, calligraphy, digital art, marketing. At the same time, freelancing is inspiration into our world. Through painting,
illustration, graphic design, as well as theatre, increasingly a viable option for artists who can installations, fashion, film, music, and more,
dance and music, and much more. Such take on contractual or commissioned work. artists across the globe are rewriting the
diverse knowledge offers endless choices Mainstays of the gig economy, artists find narrative with creative abandon.
for specialisations among them, and even many freelance projects in the art world and It is to this league of changemakers who
beyond. beyond, though it is a dynamic environment. shine the mighty, enchanting glow of creativity
For a field deeply embedded in hands-on onto the world, that young artists in-the-
experiences, meeting professionals, working Prospective employers include the likes making can aspire. A contemporary take on
of art galleries, art studios, to advertising
alongside established artists, engaging with agencies, manufacturing firms, digital media, fine arts therefore means that artists must not
studios and more are vital steps in the growth print media, publishing houses, corporates, only be familiar with the nuances of art, but the
trajectory. Through such exposure, one can businesses, textile companies, fashion complexities of the world we live in. Through
build up a vibrant combination of experiences, houses, etc. a better understanding of history, politics,
study and practice. philosophy, culture, society, technology and
Fine arts offers a potpourri of creative The power of art beyond, one is equipped to blend meaningful,
careers. Depending on individual interests, Art ranges in its conception from art multidimensional perspectives into their art.
one can find direct prospects as an artist, for aesthetics, to art for a cause. Many
painter, sculptor, visual artist, art critic, art phenomena inspire artists to weave meanings
director, art curator, art conservator, art into their artwork. Art has the power to reveal Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
collector, museum or gallery professional, the realities of life, depict uncomfortable truths Dean, Admissions & Outreach
or adjacent paths as an illustrator, graphic and perhaps even envision a better world. O.P. Jindal Global University

EDUCATIONWORLD NOVEMBER 2020