By: Hannah Scott
Art isn’t just something to admire from afar; it’s a deep conversation everyone’s invited to. Whether through a splash of paint, a well-placed note, or the snap of a camera, artists bring to life the emotions and stories that make people who they are. It’s how they connect, showing that they’re not as different as one might think. This shared experience makes art so powerful—it doesn’t just speak to people; it talks about them.
And be honest, isn’t it true? Imagine gazing upon Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and feeling a swirl of emotions, almost as if the painting understood the chaos or beauty in one’s life. Even listening to Adele’s “Someone Like You” often strikes a chord with those who have endured similar heartbreak, as if the song was written just for them.
Let’s not forget movies like “Forrest Gump”—they are not just a tale of a man’s journey through decades of American history but a story of love, loss, and hope that resonates with many personally.
These art pieces become more than just entertainment; they are reflections of one’s life, echoing joys and sorrows.
In these conversations stands Tar Dior, an artist who understands the communicative power of art. Tar grew up in Harlem, New York, and carries multicultural influences from Harlem and Senegal. He’s a singer, a model, and a formally trained artist with a fine arts degree from DePauw University. There, he specialized in oil and acrylic paintings and charcoal and graphite drawings.
His interest in deeper artistic insights took him to Amsterdam, where he participated in a three-week intensive on European art history, adding a global perspective to his artistic view. Back in New York, the prestigious New York Art Program helped him forge significant connections with established artists and curators, expanding his professional network and influence.
This combination of global insight and local heritage fuels Tar’s distinct viewpoint on art. He believes it is not just a mode of expression but also a mode of storytelling. Talking about his artworks, he says, “Every piece tells a story.”
Ever wonder why some art sticks with people long after they’ve walked away? According to Tar, it’s all in the storytelling.
He suggests ensuring that the audience is not just looking at something pretty. Instead, they feel something profound and leave with insights into human experience.
This is where Tar’s mastery of narrative techniques comes into play. In his paintings, he uses tricks like symbolism, bold colors, and dynamic compositions. These details do more than catch one’s eye—they pull a person into a narrative.
For example, the cover art for his song “Night Mode” has layers. Tar’s numb face, half hidden and combined with dull backgrounds and hazy graphics, reflects the song’s story of suppressing pain and feeling detached.
But what good is all this effort if it doesn’t hit the right spot?
This is where emotional connections enter the room. It ensures that the art ‘gets’ a person.
That’s what Tar aims for. “The artwork is like a good friend who knows what to say, tapping into emotions we sometimes keep buried,” he explains. He suggests creating moments where art and viewers meet, share a silent conversation, and understand each other perfectly.
He notes, “Art is my way of talking without words, connecting across silences.” He recommends that a piece of art, in any form, should throw ideas and questions into the world, nudging people to think, feel, and change.
Consider his song “Privacy.” He uses a calm melody while exploring themes of love in the Gen Z world, indirectly hinting that love is supposed to bring peace, not chaos, into a person’s life.
This way, he invites everyone to look deeper and see what they might discover about themselves, each other, and life.
Ultimately, it all boils down to the fact that storytelling through art is timeless—it’s been around since the first cave paintings and will continue as long as people have stories to tell. This tradition is more than just making things look pretty; it’s about connecting. That said, the commercial drive today is pushing the storytelling aspect of art to the back seat.
That’s why one must remember that art is about bridging the gap between cultures and common human feelings between then and now. Every brushstroke and melody must capture the shared struggles and celebrations.
Artists like Tar are playing a part in upholding this grand tradition. As he prepares to showcase his latest works and collaborations in upcoming exhibits, his role in the art community continues to evolve. His art shows how shared emotions and experiences connect people’s stories.
And perhaps that’s the true beauty of art—it doesn’t just capture moments; it connects generations.
Published by: Khy Talara
