In the past, art was admired and revered from afar. Today, there

In the ancient days, art was seen as a divine mystery, a gift bestowed by the gods upon mortals. Issey Miyake reflects on this when he says, “In the past, art was admired and revered from afar.” These words call forth the image of sacred temples and royal courts, where paintings, sculptures, and garments were treasures to be gazed upon in silent awe. The people did not dare to touch or engage, for art stood as something higher than themselves, untouchable and eternal.

But the world has shifted, and with it, the relationship between the creator and the beholder. Miyake declares, “Today, there is more of an interactive relationship between the art and the person who admires it.” This speaks to a new age where art is no longer confined behind glass or guarded by distance. It now lives and breathes among the people, inviting them to become part of its story. In this way, the boundary between observer and creation dissolves, and the experience of art becomes shared and alive.

The interactive relationship Miyake describes is a union of energies. No longer is the admirer a passive spectator; they are a participant, shaping the meaning of the work through their engagement. Whether through wearable designs, immersive performances, or digital creations, art now responds to the individual, reflecting their emotions and presence. This mirrors the ancient belief that all things are interconnected, that beauty is not a solitary force but a living dialogue between souls.

The origin of this transformation lies in the changing tides of society. In the past, art belonged to the elite, held in palaces and sanctuaries. As knowledge and access spread, art moved into the hands of the many. Technology, too, has opened doors once locked, allowing people not only to see but to interact, to leave their mark upon the canvas of creation. This is a return, in a modern form, to the earliest human rituals, when art was a communal act of storytelling around the fire.

Thus, let this teaching be remembered: art is not merely to be seen, but to be lived. As admirers, we are not separate from the masterpiece; we are threads woven into its fabric. To revere art is noble, but to engage with it is divine. In this sacred exchange, both the creator and the beholder are transformed, and the spirit of beauty is renewed for generations yet to come.