Art history is not just about memorizing names, events and dates and dusty old paintings.

It is

a thrilling story, where you crack the code of a culture by examining the visual clues they left

behind. Imagine flipping through a giant scrapbook of a civilization you do not understand

and attempt to make sense of it – without the context of art history, which is exactly what you

would be doing. Art history teaches you how to read the pictures, to decipher the stories and

emotions woven into the brushstrokes and carvings.

Unlike textbooks, art speaks a universal language. A powerful image can transcend words,

bypassing the limitations of translation. By analysing the way artists used colour,

composition, and symbolism, we can enter their world and understand how they saw

themselves and the world around them.

Art can be a fly-on-the-wall glimpse into the everyday lives of a bygone era. Egyptian tomb

paintings, for instance, are not just portraits of pharaohs, hieroglyphics are a language,

despite just looking like drawings depicting scenes of farming, celebrations, and even

furniture styles, offering a snapshot of daily life for ordinary people.

Throughout history, art has been a powerful tool for religion. Studying the recurring themes

and symbols in religious artwork allows us to step into the shoes of believers and understand

the stories and deities that shaped their worldview. Think about the awe-inspiring figures

adorning Gothic cathedrals or the intricate mandalas used in Buddhist meditation – they are

windows into the very soul of a faith.

Art can be a platform for rulers to reach their people. By studying grand palaces, towering

statues, and triumphal arches, we can decode the political messages these leaders wanted to
broadcast. Imagine a king commissioning a massive sculpture of himself slaying a dragon – it

is not just decoration, it is a metaphoric statement about his power and dominance.

For me, art history was not just about dusty textbooks. It was a revelation. Japan, in my mind,

was a land of serene gardens and tranquil tea ceremonies. But then I went to Japan at the start

of the year and saw firsthand Japanese woodblock prints, especially the vibrant works of

Hokusai and went to the Manga museum to look at the history of graphic novels. Suddenly, I

was not just seeing Mount Fuji – I was swept into bustling city streets, captivated by kabuki

theatre performances, and charmed by the playful "ukiyo-e" prints depicting the lively

entertainment districts. This explosion of colour and life challenged my one-dimensional

view of Japan, revealing a culture that was rich, dynamic, and full of surprises.

Art history is a conversation across time and cultures. By peering into the past through we

gain a deeper appreciation for the human experience in all its beautiful complexity.