“That photo is too aesthetic.” “It should be aesthetic.”-“Aesthetics” has been a buzzword lately with growing platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, etc. With the growing popularity of spreading one’s content, the right aesthetics has become a priority for reaching various audiences on different networking platforms, be it for entertainment, business, or personal portfolios. What exactly is aesthetics? In a general sense, aesthetics could be defined as anything that appeals to the eye or is associated with beauty. The current times have reduced the meaning of aesthetics to simply “beautiful.” However, “Aesthetics” is not new in India. Aesthetics has been a part of India’s ancient history. The Nāṭya Śāstra from the 2nd century entails the crux of what and how the arts should be. Moreover, the Rasa Theory shows how vast the understanding of aesthetics has been in ancient times. It shows that aesthetics are not limited to beauty. This ancient aesthetics theory also shows how it was an educational endeavour. However, the lack of understanding of aesthetics highlights the absence of aesthetic education in today’s times.
In today’s world, where social media and technology have reduced the idea of beauty to fit the socially accepted forms of beauty in the pop cultural understanding, it is important to understand what constitutes aesthetics and how it can benefit individuals not just at a personal level but also as socially responsible individuals.
Art and aesthetics are crucial components of human culture and play an essential role in our education. To begin with, the distinction between art and aesthetics must be made clear. Art, according to Koopman, is more than just an activity or a practice; it is a medium that enables individuals to express themselves creatively. Whereas aesthetics is centred around the study of beauty and how individuals perceive it. It involves the engagement of our senses, our perceptions, and our emotions. Aesthetic education encompasses the study of art and aesthetics. It aims to provide individuals with a deeper understanding of the role of art in society and the importance of beauty in our lives. One of the most significant benefits of aesthetic education is that it helps individuals develop their creativity. Creativity is not limited to being able to express oneself but surpass norms and rules to produce solutions that are beyond the ordinary. Anyone can learn how to express themselves creatively and create their own distinctive style by studying art and aesthetics. This ingenuity can be used in jobs, in social settings, or in one’s own endeavours. The development of critical thinking abilities is another advantage of aesthetic education.
When studying art and aesthetics, individuals learn how to analyse and interpret works of art, which requires them to think deeply about what they are seeing and experiencing. This ability to analyse and interpret information is essential in all aspects of life, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships. Furthermore, aesthetic education teaches individuals how to appreciate and value beauty. In a world where we are often bombarded by negativity, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the beauty around us. Art can inspire us, move us, and bring joy into our lives. By studying art and aesthetics, individuals can learn how to appreciate and value beauty, which can help them develop a more positive outlook on life.
Aesthetic education also plays an essential role in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. Art is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. By studying art and aesthetics, individuals can learn about different cultures and their unique artistic expressions. This can help promote understanding and appreciation for different cultures and can help to bridge the gap between different communities. Moreover, aesthetic education can help to promote empathy and emotional intelligence; art has the power to evoke emotions and connect us with others on an emotional level. By studying art and aesthetics, individuals can learn how to identify and understand different emotions, which can help them develop empathy and emotional intelligence. This is an essential skill in personal relationships, as well as in the workplace.
In India, the teaching of arts in schools is usually considered secondary after subjects like sciences, mathematics, literature, and social sciences. It is high time that arts and aesthetics must be included as core subjects in all schools. Arts and aesthetics education must be a core subject in the school curriculum wherein students learn how to practise the arts (here, performing, fine arts, visual arts etc.) and learn its histories in the correct context, understand its philosophy, and learn to apply the knowledge learned into their own lives. While implementing arts and aesthetics education as core subjects may take time, educators may integrate arts to teach the core subjects or topics that can be learned through art. For instance, teaching patterns through rangoli making or teaching about the tone of poems through colours of emotions, etc. Further, schools may provide exposure to arts and aesthetics education by taking students to art festivals, galleries, and museums. There may also be workshops held in schools by art professionals. Besides the exposure to professional arts, students’ own artworks may be encouraged through displays and performances wherein students showcase their own perspectives about their takeaways and understanding of the arts.
In conclusion, arts and aesthetics education must be a part of school curricula as it is essential for the development of well-rounded individuals. It helps individuals develop their creativity, critical thinking skills, and appreciation for beauty. It promotes cultural understanding and appreciation and helps to promote empathy and emotional intelligence. Aesthetic education is not just about studying art and aesthetics but about developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By studying art and aesthetics, individuals can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of life and the role that art plays in society. Therefore, educational institutions should encourage the inclusion of arts and aesthetics in their curriculum.
