Why Students Should Experience Real Art, Not Just Screens

Today’s students encounter art mostly through screens — phones, tablets and classroom projectors. While digital access has made art more visible than ever, it has also changed how young people engage with creativity. Viewing artworks on screens offers convenience, but it often removes the depth, texture and emotional presence that real art provides.

What Screens Can’t Teach

Screens flatten art. They reduce layered brushstrokes into smooth images and turn tactile textures into pixels. In contrast, physical artworks invite students to observe closely, notice imperfections and understand effort. Mr Pawan Kumar, a fine arts practitioner and Head of the Fine Arts Department at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg explains this difference clearly: “There are two types of textures: visual and manual. When you touch it manually, you realise it is a print.” Such experiences help students develop discernment and visual literacy — skills that cannot be learned through screens alone.

Learning Through Observation and Patience

Standing in front of a real artwork encourages students to slow down. They observe colour transitions, study brush movements and try to understand how an image was built layer by layer. According to the artist, “Big art lovers realise in two minutes whether it is a print or manual.” For students, this learning process sharpens attention, patience and critical thinking — abilities often challenged in fast-scroll digital environments.

Emotional Connection Happens Offline

Real art creates emotional engagement that screens struggle to replicate. The scale of a canvas, the way light interacts with texture and the physical presence of materials evoke stronger emotional responses. During an exhibition, Mr Kumar noticed how viewers instinctively paused longer in front of detailed paintings. Such moments highlight how physical art naturally captures curiosity and empathy.

Why Art Spaces Matter in Education

Museums, galleries and school art rooms offer students a space free from notifications and distractions. These environments allow them to engage with creativity on their own terms. Art classrooms, in particular, provide freedom. As the educator puts it, “There is freedom in painting, you can draw anything, you can use any colour.” This sense of independence builds confidence and self-expression.

Preparing Students for a Creative Future

As technology advances, the ability to think creatively, observe deeply and express emotions becomes increasingly valuable. Real art experiences help students develop these human skills. Screens may introduce art, but only real encounters can teach students how to truly see, feel and understand it.