Sound is an intrinsic component of art. It has a strong influence on artists and their work. This essay will examine the interrelationship between art and music, some of the history between the two and finally an example of music in art, a recent installation that was seen at the Strand Ephemera exhibition in Townsville.1
The current relationship between art and music dates back to the early days of modernism. It developed from early Christian times. It began in churches where music plays a crucial role and where the artistic decoration of the altar is essential for ceremonial process. From the 12th century, Easter passion plays emerged which brought painters, sculptors and musicians together. Music had a major influence in the life of Leonardo da Vinci. He designed musical instruments, was a musician himself, and arranged for music and singing during the sittings for his famous portrait, the Mona Lisa. In his famous treatise, Il Paragone, he wrote, ‘Music can be called nothing other than the sister of painting’. During the 16th century, as music increased in popularity, it became a favourite subject for the genre painting that was emerging at the time. From here the relationship between music and art grew until it became what it is today.
Art and music are very closely linked. Music may be the subject matter for art and it influences artworks of other subjects. Artists describe matching their working process to music; it may contribute to the appearance and form of their work. New art forms such as performance include music as well as sound art and film art. Many films would not be what they are without music; music... The rest of this article is available to subscribers of Eyeline
