Self-expression

Self-expression is about being able to tell your story in words, music,

painting; anything that expresses your inner self. From graceful, sinuous
steps to soulful tunes and canvases splayed with fiery colours, selfexpression is indulging, openly, in what you love and what defines you as a
homo sapien.
As teenagers growing up in a restrictive and contradictory society, where
people speak naught from their hearts, the arts are possibly the only refuge
for the mind. Self-expression can be little acts of dyeing your hair pink and
blue, or to larger commitments like the arts. Self-expression comes from
within. Self-expression would be contributed by the morals one exemplifies,
the instinctive choices one makes and the experiences one
Self-expression is art.
Self-expression is dance.
Self-expression is music.
Self-expression is literature.
Self-expression is your own creation.
But simply, self-expression shows: You.
Art is where you feel at home. Dance is where you run free, emancipated.
Literature is where the mind reflects. Music is where emotions explode. There

can be no lies, self-expression is where the inner-self bursts forth, bold and
brave, blatantly telling the world This is me. Quoting from the American
activist Martin Luther King, Our lives begin to end the day we become silent
about things that matter.
The arts are said to be a reflection of the society. With the progression of
society comes the maturity of art. Without art, society would be a vast, bland
and uncreative space. Art has changed the world into a more beautiful and
wonderful place.

The famous Oscar Wilde once said Life has been your art. You have set
yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets. Art replenishes you with the
vigor and drive for perfection and self-fulfillment. It is our pursuit for
perfection and yearning for happiness that adds colour to our lives.

I, am a pianist. Music allows me self-expression and brings me enjoyment.

Music has been my friend and teacher, the very day I embarked on this
grand adventure. From the humble moments of starting a new piece, to the
pride of mastering it, and the sheer joy of hearing it played beautifully, the
entire process is a form of self-expression. Music strengthens ones
individuality, allows for a few hours of precious solitude and speaks of ones
own unique, secret identity. Victor Hugo, a famous French playwright novelist
and poet, once said Music expresses that which cannot be put into words

and that which cannot remain silent. His words echo that of the classical
master Ludwig Van Beethoven, who said Music expresses that which cannot
be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.
In a rapidly modernizing world with an increasing pace of life, how often is it
that one gets to sit down, reminisce and reflect? Art is a platform for selfexpression. There is an unexplainable joy in immersing yourself, for just a
few hours, in your identity. Art is the truest form of self-expression. Those few
hours are when you can entirely be yourself, to not be afraid of critical onlookers and where you can speak, unbound.

ANGER. Brazen, dissonant music. A Clash of colours. Fast, striking

movements.

Peaceful. Tranquil, soothing harmony. A perfect blend of colours. A graceful

leap.

Anxiety. Fast, intertwining scales. Fast, jittery scratches. Agitated spirals.

Sorrow. Melancholy tunes. Faded colours. Passionate involvement.

Joy. Lively, merry melodies. Bright, radiant colours. Exhilarating jumps.

Art divulges innermost thoughts. Art illustrates ones feelings. Art discloses
the self.

Gladys Lim, Nanyang Girls High School