The Definition of Art at Havergal

Written by Zhifan Ye
Edited by Dominique Cao
Cover Image by Leyao Xiao

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance,” said Aristotle. While visual and performing arts may appear as a form of visual pleasure, there is a rich disarray at the intersection between the internal energies given by artistic expressions and the external circumstances in which we live. The world is a complex structure in which every individual perceives it with a different lens. 

Havergal College is a nurturing garden where artistic seeds grow in fertile soil. The members of the Havergal community, with distinct backgrounds and stories, have various perspectives on the definition of art that they would like to share with you. We went around Havergal and asked students and faculty, “what does art mean to you?” We hope that the first article in this collection serves as a harbour for your feelings and as a propeller for your artistic journeys. 

Mia Liang (mliang@havergal.on.ca), a brave soul who never fails to impress, says this:

“Art, to many people, may seem childish or uselessly effeminate. However, this could not be less true. Art is a primal human instinct to express, contribute to, and empathize with their surroundings. Many people think that being a human is a horrid ordeal – we are all selfish and cold, and we will face some intrinsic destiny that our flawed characters have condemned us to. But I believe art is a beautiful thing because it is the antidote to all the terrible things we do. I love protest music and films about social justice that seek to humanize people in a cruel world where individuals are taught to belittle. 

Charles Burchell is a member of the Somewhere Project, named after the song "Somewhere" from one of my favourite musicals, West Side Story. He says, "Good art reflects our own humanity back to us" in a video from my Grade 8 Vocal class at Havergal. From that moment, I never stopped thinking about the meaning behind the quote. Unquestionably, everyone is a part of history. Their artistic individualism and bravery to share art, which I consider to be an extension of the soul, offer a much more comprehensive and heartfelt catalogue of our history than plain, hard facts in a school textbook. 

From a creator's perspective, I have been working through the play and script of Tony Kushner's eight-hour play about American politics during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s: Angels in America. As I humbly analyze his work, I often find myself in deep awe of such intricacy and complexity. The qualities embedded in the play evoke a profound conviction in me to comprehend and reflect as opposed to alienating my curiosity or rendering me unintelligent to understand. I love writing songs, and this profoundness is something I strive for. 

The reason we all subconsciously hold art so close to us is due to our desire to connect. Indeed, we long to empathize, and to be empathized with. It may not be a noble characteristic, but I genuinely think that it is the most beautiful thing about us, homo sapiens.”

Art is certainly a great medium for forming relationships with others and speaking up for injustice in society. It plays a significant role in the global context, and it can also help individuals develop their artistic talents and support their personal growth. 

Sloane Kotler (skotler@havergal.on.ca), our beloved Arts Prefect, will take us through her story with the performing arts. 

“Art has always been a big part of my life. It is one of my forms of expression which has given me the bravery to perform while also supporting me when I want to escape from reality. From a young age, I have been intrigued by art and music. As a daughter and granddaughter of family members who have studied these subjects, I was no stranger to mature matters such as art history, collection building, and classic rock. Particularly, my father took much pride in teaching me some of his favourite classics, such as the Beatles, George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. 

I studied piano as a young child but eventually succeeded in begging my mom to let me switch to guitar at the age of 10. When I purchased my first guitar, I truly felt like a rock star, finally being able to imitate the music of the classics. The guitar helped me develop and culture my musical taste. Thus, I fell deeply in love with Fleetwood Mac, Queen, the Dire Straits, as well as The Who and Mumford & Sons (trust me, I could go on). When I listen to music, I am filled with a deep sense of curiosity and empowerment. I study lyrics closely, trying to feel closer to the artists and the time period they were living in. I have always preferred older music over newer hits – maybe I’m just an old soul.

Speaking of my first electric guitar, I will never be able to forget it – my first love. It was shimmery ocean blue with a black face plate and a light wood fretboard. For months without a break, I spent hours practising in my room nightly, working my way up to complicated solos such as “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepplin and “Sultans of Swing” by the Dire Straits. A unique feeling of pride and pure happiness embraces me after struggling through a new piece of music and finally getting it. It’s a different feeling of accomplishment than any academic achievement I’ve earned. As I dive more deeply into the artistic world, and begin making my own music, there is no competition and no criteria. The process is all about fluidity, sound, and feel. 

I love music as an artistic medium indefinitely. I take much honour and pride in my current role as Arts Prefect at Havergal, because I can provide the community with the same joy that art brings me. In a nutshell, I answer the question, “what art is to me?” by referring to all the colourful sentiments: passion, joy, curiosity, excitement, intrigue, commitment, pride, and most importantly, love.

Finally, art to many—including the writer of this article—is a powerful tool for creating peace within oneself. For our closing thought, Ms. Dwyer (sdwyer@havergal.on.ca), our beloved Visual Arts teacher, phrases it beautifully:

“Art is a way to clear my mind and enter a world I’ve created. No matter how tired, stressed, or upset I may be, when I pick up a pencil and begin to draw, I return to an inner peace. With art, I feel a distinct sense of freedom to explore mediums and ideas with endless wonder and curiosity. Of course, art comes with many challenges and roadblocks, but discovering new ways of overcoming those hurdles can be so exhilarating and fun. Overall, art may be a form of self-expression, activism, meditation, history making, or storytelling – it can be everything and nothing. Now it is your turn to think, ‘What is art to you?’”

Individual responses edited for space and clarity.