The Whole Ball of Wax

Art holds a significant part of our lives, even though we don't always notice it. It allows us to see things from someone else's eyes, and interpret things however we please—it is an experience, and something that should never be fully understood. After reading "The Whole Ball of Wax," I have a different appreciation for art. Hoptman and Elley look at art from a different perspective, explaining that "Art is a bridge to a new vision and the vision itself, a medium or matrix through which one sees the world, and that grants that pleasure is an important form of knowledge. Art is not optional; it is necessary." Each individual depicts art in a different way—and that is how it is intended. There is no “right” way to view or feel about art.

I thought Hoptman and Elley’s point that art tells you things you don’t know you need to know until you know them was very interesting. I found the example that they referenced regarding Gerber looking at a piece of art in the Art Institute of Chicago and feeling better and more relaxed following the tragedy of September 11 fascinating. It shows that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you need, art is able to provide clarity and make you feel better about your situation.