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| What Is the 9th Art? |
What Is the 9th Art? Exploring Comics and Beyond
9th Art refers to comics and graphic storytelling, a medium that blends visuals and text to create a unique expression. Originating in France, this classification recognizes comic books and graphic novels as a legitimate art form, standing alongside traditional disciplines like painting, sculpture, and cinema.
But why is it called the 9th Art, and where does it fit within the broader artistic landscape? To understand this, we must explore the classification of the arts, the evolution of comics, and their cultural significance.
What Are the Nine Arts? A Classification of Artistic Disciplines
Organizing the arts into a numbered system traces back to Étienne Souriau, a French philosopher who sought to bring order to the diverse world of artistic expression. In the 1960s, Souriau proposed a structured hierarchy, categorizing artistic forms based on their medium, technique, and purpose. This framework systematically analyzed the arts and sparked discussions on the interconnectedness and evolution of creative disciplines. His classification includes:
- Architecture: The foundational Art that shapes physical spaces.
- Sculpture: The Art of creating three-dimensional forms.
- Painting: Visual representation using colors and brushstrokes.
- Music: The auditory art form that conveys emotions through sound.
- Literature: The Art of storytelling through written words.
- Performing Arts: Includes theater, dance, and acting.
- Cinema: The moving image is often called the 7th Art.
- Photography and Television: Considered the 8th Art, capturing reality through images and moving pictures.
- Comics and Graphic Novels: The 9th Art, blending illustration and narrative storytelling.
Why Are Comics Considered the 9th Art?
Comics, also called bandes dessinées (BD) in French, combine visual storytelling with text to form a unique narrative medium. They are a fusion of literature (5th Art) and painting (3rd Art) yet distinct in their ability to convey movement, expression, and dialogue through sequential imagery.
The recognition of comics as the ninth Art emerged in the 1960s, largely thanks to Francis Lacassin, a French literary critic who argued that comics deserved the same respect as literature and cinema due to their narrative depth and artistic craftsmanship.
Comics are a global phenomenon, influencing everything from pop culture to high Art. Major industries in the U.S., Japan, and Europe have cemented comics as a powerful storytelling medium.What Is the 10th Art? The Evolution of New Media
As technology advances, new artistic disciplines continue to emerge. Given their fusion of storytelling, interactivity, music, and visual design, some consider video games the 10th Art.Video games resemble the ninth art form, particularly in their use of sequential storytelling and visuals to immerse the audience. The debate over whether video games should be formally recognized as an art form continues. However, many scholars and critics argue they are a natural extension of previous artistic disciplines.
The Ninth Art and Its Influence on Other Media
Comics have transcended their origins as illustrated stories to become a cornerstone of modern storytelling, shaping the worlds of cinema, literature, and gaming. Their unique blend of visual artistry and compelling narratives has inspired countless blockbuster films and TV series, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences across generations. This enduring influence highlights the profound cultural impact of comics as a medium that continues to redefine entertainment.
- Superhero movies like those from the Marvel and DC universes originate from comic books.
- Japanese anime often adapts manga, demonstrating the global impact of the 9th Art.
- Ninth art games blend interactive storytelling with graphic novel-style aesthetics, enhancing the gaming experience.
What Is the 7th Art? The Connection Between Comics and Cinema
Cinema is celebrated as the 7th Art, and comics, often regarded as a close artistic cousin, intertwine through their shared mastery of visual storytelling. Both mediums harness the power of imagery, sequencing, and perspective to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. This symbiotic relationship highlights how static panels and moving frames can evoke profound emotional and artistic experiences.
Many successful movies, such as Sin City, 300, and Watchmen, started as graphic novels. The rise of cinematic universes further shows how comics and films influence each other.The 8th Art: Photography and Television as Visual Storytelling
Before comics earned their place as the ninth Art, photography, and television held the title of the eighth Art. These mediums, celebrated for their ability to document and reflect the world with striking authenticity, transformed how society perceived reality, blending artistry with technological innovation to immortalize moments and narratives. Their influence paved the way for comics to emerge as a unique form of storytelling, combining visual and literary elements to create a new artistic language.
Photography captures singular moments, freezing time to convey emotion and narrative in a single frame. On the other hand, television expands storytelling into a dynamic, serialized format, allowing narratives to unfold over time. Similarly, comics, the 9th Art, bridge the gap between these mediums, using sequential static images to craft evolving stories, building upon the foundation laid by photography, the 8th Art.
The Future of the 9th Art
The 9th Art continues to evolve, especially with digital comics and webtoons revolutionizing how audiences consume graphic stories. Artists now have more tools than ever to experiment with style, format, and interactivity. Some trends shaping the future of the arts include:
- Augmented and Virtual Reality Comics: Blurring the lines between static and interactive storytelling.
- AI-Assisted Illustration: Expanding creative possibilities for artists.
- Cross-Media Storytelling: Integrating comics with film, TV, and games for immersive experiences.
Conclusion
The 9th Art, or comics, is a potent storytelling medium combining illustration with literature. Comics have molded the arts from modest beginnings to global acclaim, impacting cinema, gaming, and contemporary storytelling. As new artistic disciplines develop, the 10th Art and beyond could further transform how we engage with creative expression.
For more in-depth explorations of artistic movements and innovations, check out the Art Online section on our website, Art Corner Screens.