Life Imitates Art

One of the most beautiful things about art is its ability to resonate with anyone, no matter how abstract or surreal it may be. Subjectivity aside, there is no denying we have all felt a sense of familiarity within a work of art, no matter the genre. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the essence of an artist’s work directly reflects their views on life. The notable Baroque painting, Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio (1600), snapshots the moment in time wherein Jesus Christ enters the custom house and encourages Matthew to follow him in becoming an apostle. In terms of composition, Christ, on the right, points at Levi, the tax collector, and inspires him to become the apostle Matthew. Despite being clamored by other figures within the painting, Caravaggio carefully utilizes light in his painting to draw attention to Levi. The scene appears to occur in a tavern rather than a place grander, and the figures are slumped over in posture as well. Despite the moment being so pivotal historically, there is a feeling of humanity-a feeling of a normal, yet still dramatic exchange- that creates a sense of ease associated with the painting. The apprehension on Levi’s face, too, allows viewers to resonate with him as well. In addition to his dramatic lighting, Caravaggio is known for bringing mortality to divine figures, and at the time, was critiqued to be “sacrilege, vulgar, and disgusting” (Caravaggio Gallery). His tendency to make significant moments rather human is a direct reflection of life itself; even the most significant moments can seem so ordinary. Despite how much weight a moment in time can carry, it can seem so mundane at the moment; art, in many ways, reflects that aspect of life.

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Life and art hold up a mirror to each other, creating a perpetual flow of inspiration and culture. Art can be translated to resonate with everyday life through the incorporation of design. What separates design from art? It is a common misconception that both are the same, but art, by definition, is “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power” and design is defined as the “purpose, planning, or intention that exists or is thought to exist behind an action, fact, or material object” (Oxford Languages). Essentially, art is a creative expression that holds abstract themes and can be appreciated for its subjectivity. Design, on the other hand, is a creation with the intent of functionality and ease intertwined with the expression and beauty of art. Art is reflected in our lives through the use of design. Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter known as one of the most prominent artists of the De Stijl era, is most famously known for his 1930 work titled Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow. The work consists of a square frame with squares of various sizes filling the canvas, separated by thick black lines. His geometric style of work caught the eyes of Charles & Ray Eames, allowing them to create the Eames House Case Study #8. The house carries traces of Mondrian’s work through the geometric architecture and the colored blocks. Eames is a perfect example of art being translated into everyday life; life imitating art in the context of a home. Cassandre, a notable poster and typeface designer, created posters regarding travel, trains, airplanes, and ocean liners, and advertised the thrill of traveling to the public. He took inspiration from the Cubism movement, especially from Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Leger, and Georges Braque. Their use of strong, geometric shapes appealed to Cassandre, and it showed through his pieces' bold forms and dynamic compositions, paired perfectly with new typefaces; it emphasized the modern feel he was going for. The traces of fine arts trickle down to mundane life through the translations of Cassandre.

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In what ways can we observe art and beauty in our daily lives? The fundamentals of life around us are mathematics and art. The grip of a coffee mug, the decorative centerpiece in a living room, the corner of a building, and even the train thousands of people take, all have their roots in art. Makeup, too, often seen as an everyday part of a morning routine, is a direct form of artistic expression, and is now more than ever being utilized as a creative outlet rather than a tool to enhance features. Everything around us has an artistic flair of its own nature whether we notice it or not, and no matter how mundane, it has a creative style of its own. Life imitating art is a concept that has been present throughout human history. Art has the power to influence and shape our perceptions of the world, and sometimes, life imitates the art we create. Whether it is in the form of fashion, music, literature, or film, art has the ability to inspire change and create new realities. It is important to recognize the impact that art can have on our lives and to continue to create and appreciate art in all its forms.

Managing Editor: Nova Krasner

Senior Photo Dir: Phillip Lewis

Junior Photo Dir: Justice Tilford

Junior Fashion Dir: Brianna Tirado

Editor at Large: Madison Collins

Models: Adriana Bolanos, Ava Desiderio, Christa Guzman, Joe St. Pierre, Joel Casseus, Leonie Baschat, Madeline Olsen, Mason Kelly, Ravyn Chen, Rodelen Pitts, Shanika Hermanstein, Skylar McGraw