The way I make art - the way a lot of people make art - is as an

Opening Scene

The room is softly illuminated by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting long, gentle shadows as the evening deepens. Outside, the city hums quietly, the usual bustle fading into stillness. Jack sits at the table, a sketchbook open before him, lost in thought. Jeeny stands near the window, gazing out at the view below. The atmosphere feels reflective, as though a conversation about art, communication, and the role of language in creativity is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice steady but thoughtful, breaking the quiet.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Shepard Fairey that really made me reflect. He said, ‘The way I make art — the way a lot of people make art — is as an extension of language and communication, where references are incredibly important.’ It made me think about how much art is about communication — not just visually, but conceptually. What do you think? Do you think art is more than just an aesthetic, but also a language that communicates something deeper?”

Jack: “I think Fairey is absolutely right. Art is deeply connected to language, and not just in terms of what’s being said or depicted, but in how it connects us to ideas, stories, and references. Art doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it draws from culture, history, and society. Every piece of art — whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or even street art — is a form of communication that conveys a message. Sometimes, that message is direct, and sometimes it’s more abstract, but it always speaks to something larger than itself. Art is language, and its references are what give it meaning.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Art is a way of expressing ideas that we can’t always articulate with words alone. It’s a visual language that taps into emotions, experiences, and cultural references that we all understand on some level. Whether it’s through symbols, colors, or even just the way something is presented, art has the power to communicate things that go beyond the surface. And the beauty of it is that those references — whether personal, political, or social — speak to us in different ways, depending on our own experiences.”

Jack: “Right, and I think that’s what makes art so dynamic. It’s not static or fixed in meaning. A piece of art can evoke different responses depending on who’s looking at it, when they’re looking at it, and what they bring to it. The references in a piece of art are like keys to understanding it, but they also leave room for interpretation. That’s where the power of art lies — in its ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that words sometimes can’t.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think that’s also why context is so important in art. The references an artist chooses to use — whether it’s a political image, a cultural symbol, or a personal experience — all provide layers of meaning. Art, like language, is about contextualizing ideas. Without context, it can be hard to understand what the artist is trying to say. But when you recognize the references, you start to see the bigger picture, and the art becomes a powerful way of telling a story.”

Jack: “Exactly. The context gives art depth. It’s like a conversation — when someone uses a reference, whether it’s a quote or a cultural nod, it’s not just about the reference itself; it’s about what it means in the broader context. The same goes for art. The references — whether they’re historical, political, or personal — give the piece its layered meanings. And much like language, it’s in the understanding of these references that we unlock the true message of the art.”

Jeeny: “And I think that’s why art is so powerful. It’s a universal form of communication. You don’t need to speak the same language or come from the same background to connect with the message. Even if you don’t understand all the references in a piece, you can still feel the emotion, the energy, and the underlying message. Art allows for a kind of empathy that transcends words.”

Jack: “Exactly. And I think that’s why artists like Shepard Fairey are so effective. They use references that speak to people on many levels, drawing from pop culture, politics, and social movements. The beauty of his work is that it’s not just about aesthetic appeal; it’s about making a statement, starting a conversation, and engaging people in ways that make them think about the world around them.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Shepard Fairey’s words. Outside, the world continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s an understanding that art is more than just a visual experience — it’s a form of language and communication that connects us to deeper meanings, shared histories, and cultural references.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that art is its own language, and just like any language, it’s built on the references and experiences that shape it. The more we understand the context and the layers of meaning, the deeper we can appreciate what’s being communicated.”

Jack: “Exactly. Art doesn’t just exist to look pretty or fill space. It’s a tool for communication, a way to express ideas, challenge norms, and provoke thought. By understanding the references and the context behind a piece, we connect more deeply with the message and the artist’s intent.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Art is not just something we look at — it’s something we engage with, something that communicates beyond words. Through references, context, and emotion, art becomes a powerful language of its own, offering new ways to see and understand the world around us.