The distinction between telling and showing, especially when applied to creative endeavors like painting or music, might indeed appear subtle, but it holds a significant impact on the way audiences engage with and perceive the art form. While both methods involve communication, they evoke distinct emotional responses and immersive experiences.

When you “tell” in art, you convey information directly through explicit statements or descriptions. This approach often results in a more detached engagement, as the audience dreceives information without much room for personal interpretation. For example, stating “the artist used vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes to depict a sense of energy” in a painting might provide factual details, but it does not necessarily evoke the visceral experience of witnessing the artwork.ATO

On the other hand, “showing” in art involves immersing the audience in the experience by allowing them to draw their own conclusions from the visual or auditory cues presented. Instead of describing the techniques used, you create an environment where the audience can feel the energy emanating from the painting through the colors and strokes themselves. In music, rather than explaining the emotions behind a composition, you let the arrangement of notes and melodies evoke those emotions in the listener.

The distinction between “telling” and “showing” is akin to the difference between giving someone a detailed travel itinerary versus allowing them to embark on the journey themselves. The former provides information, while the latter engages the senses and emotions, resulting in a more profound connection.

So, while it might seem that saying or telling about art and showing it have little difference, the impact on the audience’s experience is quite significant. “Showing” allows the audience to immerse themselves, to interpret, and to feel, creating a deeper and more personal connection with the creative work.