Paintings as a means of Communication

Man has long used paintings as a means of communication. In ancient times cave men communicated their clan's history by painting on cave walls. The ancient Egyptians used paintings and hyroglifics to tell the story of their rulers and history in the chambers of their great pyramids. The region of Capadocia in Turkey is the crossroads for three East-West caravan trade routes. This region has soft stone from which men have carved out numerous caves. The cool temperature of the caves made them ideal for preserving perishable food products. This made the caves of Capadocia an ideal location for the caravan routes to cross for obtaining fresh supplies and resting. Hundreds of chapels and churches are found in the caves of Capadocia and many date back to the early years of the church. As you enter one of these chapels or churches, you'll see painted murials that tell the story of Christ. The painted murials are in the same sequential order and are exactly the same in each of the chapels or Churches one might visit. Since many people did not read in those days, paintings told the story of the Christian experience. It was important that the story remained the same from church to church. Paintings or Art in general has been a means for man to tell his story for the ages. I believe when art communicates a story or a human truth, the art takes on real value and meaning. Life is a canvas, paint it your way.........give it meaning, tell your story. Svetlana