THE ART OF Fatherhood
In art history there have been great
artists who are accorded the title of “father.” They are so called because
they dared to challenge traditional techniques of the past or introduce new methods of creativity. And so they are recognized as the “Father of” the respective art movements they helped to inspire.
Being ‘father’ of a certain art movement, though, is not as much a title as a nickname. The accorded nickname is even often debated among art scholars and critics. For example, many would argue that “The Father of Cubism” is Georges Braque, while others say it’s Pablo Picasso.
Inasmuch as there are ‘fathers of art’, there are also art done of fathers. However, it might be noticed that fathers are often harshly depicted in art. Perhaps the reason for this is the artists’ tough relationships with their fathers.
In general, fathers dole out love and punishment in equal measure. And, compared to mothers, fathers are a bit ‘distant’, their task in the family being to feed, not to nurture. This prevalent idea about fathers is sad, because fathers are just as loving and caring of their children.
But, of course, the world holds fathers in high regard. The indifference that some kids feel towards their fathers is mostly veiled endearment. They only resent the fact that the greatest man in their lives has both the hand that strokes and a hand that strikes for them.
The father whose kids are not resentful is a good artist. He has mastered the art of fatherhood. He has the patience and the passion of a true artist.
No father would want his child to fail. It is often out of great desire to make his child succeed that a father tends to be a little hard on the child. And the child resents it.
A good father, therefore, has the patience to explain his good intentions to his child. He has the skill of language that the child understands. Determined as he is to shape his child well, he doesn’t mind how much time it is going to take him.
“Because I said so” is very seldom resorted to. A good father wants his child to understand more than simply to obey. That way, the child is being prepared for life on her own, when her father will no longer be around.
Yes, indeed, fatherhood is a kind of art. So it’s no wonder that art, in turn celebrates fathers.