Artistic Expression as an Emotional Outlet | Mariana Madero | TEDxColegio Merici Youth

Key Concepts

Artistic expression, emotional outlet, Greek mythology (Apollo, Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Cupid, Psyche), Louvre Museum, Mona Lisa theft, Olivia Rodrigo (Driver's License, Good for You), Ado (Usseewa), painting, music, self-expression, emotional communication, inspiration, overcoming adversity, finding a creative outlet.

Summary

Introduction

Mariana Mado Perez discusses artistic expression as an emotional outlet, drawing from personal experiences and examples of art and music. She aims to inspire others to open themselves to the world through art.

Experiences at the Louvre Museum

Mariana recounts a family vacation to Europe, focusing on her visit to the Louvre Museum in France.

• Apollo Sculpture: She was particularly struck by a sculpture of Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, music, and medicine. The way the sunlight reflected on the statue conveyed his identity without words, highlighting the power of visual storytelling.
• Other Greek Goddesses: She also saw sculptures of Aphrodite (goddess of beauty and love), Artemis (goddess of the hunt), Victoria (goddess of victory), and Athena (goddess of wisdom and war tactics).
• Cupid and Psyche: The sculpture of Cupid and Psyche resonated with her due to their love story, where they overcame Aphrodite's attempts to separate them, even defying death. This represented true love and sacrifice.
• Mona Lisa Theft: Mariana shares the story of the Mona Lisa theft, emphasizing how the thief simply took the painting under his jacket and walked out, keeping it under his bed for three years. The security's failure to notice the theft was considered "pathetic."

Musical Artists as Emotional Expressors

Mariana transitions to discussing contemporary singers who express themselves through music.

• Olivia Rodrigo: She highlights Olivia Rodrigo, an American singer who started as an actress on Disney Channel. Her song "Driver's License" and others express anger, sadness, and frustration stemming from a breakup. Mariana played a snippet of "Good for You" to demonstrate Rodrigo's angry tone.
• Ado: Mariana introduces Ado, a Japanese singer who debuted at 17 with her song "Usseewa." Ado, who was initially seen as an outcast, found solace in music. Her father's initial discouragement led her to record in a closet. Despite this, she released albums and went on world tours. Mariana played a part of "Usseewa" to show the raw emotion in her music, even without understanding the lyrics.

Mariana's Personal Artistic Journey

Mariana shares her personal experience with art as an emotional outlet.

• Painting as a Shelter: She found art classes to be a refuge from a toxic school environment where she struggled to make friends. Painting allowed her to channel her frustration, sadness, and happiness.
• "Big Three" Paintings: She presents three paintings she considers her "big three":
  • A first painting done as a trial.
  • A painting of her favorite anime character, which she was proud of despite others doubting her ability.
  • A painting of the Mediterranean Sea as a gift for her father, created with some insecurity but encouraged by a friend.
• Musician's Quote: Mariana shares a quote from a musician named "It is Good" on YouTube: "I love playing because when I play the violin, I feel like it's an extension of my voice, allowing me to express my emotions. And more than that, when I write the music, I feel that I can translate my emotions into notes. And when I play the violin and when my emotions and feelings become sound, it creates this galaxy, this world. And when you listen to my music, you enter to it."

Conclusion

Mariana concludes that art, in all its forms, is a way to communicate feelings to the world. She emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself and not letting anyone hinder that expression. She believes that art communicates emotions even without words, as seen in Ado's music and the stories told by paintings.