One of the oldest themes in the history of art is the intrinsic connection of human beings with nature.
When we visit a museum, we can observe how artists present nature from the perspective of their time. Great works capture the magic of nature and transport us back to the time and scene in which the artist conceived it.
This is not only seen in painting, but also reflected in music. Many authors have been inspired by the moon, the stars, and the sea to compose songs that revive the landscapes of their native land. For example, in Puerto Rico a song that is almost an anthem is Verde Luz by Antonio Caban Vale (the mole). When we hear “Green light of the mountains and the sea, virgin island of the coral … if I am absent from your noisy beaches, if I move away from your silent palms I want to return” we transport ourselves to our island and it inspires nostalgia. That is the importance of art in its different expressions.
We have to protect that source of inspiration that Mother Nature offers us for free. It’s good that there are those who have the ability to capture it and pass it on to future generations. Do not ignore it, enjoy the landscapes that it offers us. Learn to look for images in the clouds, watch the birds dance, and you can have a live museum in front of you every day.
María M. García, BA, MA
