The most effective way to communicate an idea or value to large groups of people is through the use of images not language

As social beings, we humans cannot live without communicating with others. Communication can be made by sending text messages or calling someone or just talking in person. But when it comes to large groups, often, spreading the message can be a bit difficult. There might be a shortage of time or for just the ease of explaining, pictures can play a vital role. It is, thus, imperative that by showing images, it is far easier to convey the message to millions.

“Pictures can speak a thousand words.” – is a proverb that we hear every now and then. What can be shown via an image can express multiple things at once. Furthermore, while showing a picture, it is much easier to explain the topic. For instance, when we read a book, if it is just full of writing, it is much harder to read it. A proper example of such would be a dictionary. No one likes to read the dictionary because it is very monotonous and lethargic. Everyone has an apathy to read a dictionary. On the contrary, a book full of photos, regarding the topic is much more readable to the user. A children’s storybook is full of various artworks and images, as it makes it much more interesting and affable for the young reader.

Spreading a message can be a difficult task. It becomes harder when the large group do not speak the same language. Art, which has no boundary or language, therefore, becomes the best means to communicate. In roads and construction sites, we see different warning signs. We do not see different writings as not everyone seeing the message is literate or accustomed with the alphabet of the endemic society. A warning sign is for everyone, and so, the language should be universal. Also, not only to warn people but to teach as well, art can be a fantastic medium. One cannot understand the meaning of poverty if one only reads about it on the book. One can truly understand the gruesome tragedy of these ill-fated people by seeing photographs or artworks of artists like Zainul Abedin. Teaching or properly understanding something by heart becomes easier when it is visualised.

Although, there are thousands and thousands of articles behind the smile of Monalisa and people wasted hours interpreting the meaning behind “The Starry Night”. An artwork or photo cannot always be a clear representation of the message trying to be conveyed. Sometimes the meaning is left vague to the viewers and it causes a whole lot of confusion. If an image of fire is shown to someone, it can mean different things. The thought can vary from person to person. For one, it may be an indication that source of fire neaerby, a geologist might even mistake for an active volcano present in the viscinity, whereas, a baby would not even understand properly what it is being said. Words is just as much as important here along with the photo. True meaning of the idea can never be explained properly if there are words and instructions to back it up.

In conclusion, although it is necessary for languange to take place in our day to day communication, words go a mile when apprehending a difficult topic. Whether it can just be to explain something or to just warn something of a possible danger or even to make a topic much more convivial, there is no alternative to arts and images.