The Arts In Society

Since human beings existed, there have been different discussions about art. Along with these discussions, many different views and definitions related to art have emerged. It is, of course, difficult to make a common definition to art. If a sketchy definition is made; art is the form of expression and product that emerges from its senses, such as emotion, thought, idea, design and imagination. Art, in its most general sense, is the form of expression that eventually arises from creativity and imagination. At this point, while the functions of art can be more clearly revealed, both philosophers and artists could not agree on an objective definition of what art is and its purpose. The fact that, art intertwines with society causes some ideas to form in people’s minds. The connection between art and social processes has continued throughout history. There have been some setbacks and divisions within society. It is inevitable that art is where society is. In general terms, art is a social phenomenon that performs a function such as revealing the history of society, different problems of current life, and the aspect of the world that is often left in the dark.

Art has an important function, such as thinking and raising awareness. Artworks help people to raise awareness and better understand social realities at the rate they are directed towards society. From this point of view, especially today, there is a great connection between the development of mass media and the development, dissemination and public awareness of art. In addition, the work of art also performs an important function in illuminating people, giving them a historical and critical experience. Thus, it helps to change living conditions. As Allison McNearney states in the article of ‘’When Nelson Rockefeller Killed Diego Rivera’s Communist Mural’’(2017) that, in 1929, the Mexican Communist Party and some of the Socialists pressured muralist Diego Riveria to publicize his ideas on the mural. Even more The muralist Diego Riveria’s statement says: “We are confident that the workers will yet unveil our buried mural, and if it be destroyed or incomplete, they will create out of their own midst the artists of tomorrow who will fulfill our intentions and carry revolutionary art to far greater heights.” Art serves to help people share and rally around common values. According article “Learning about Political Art in Clasroom and Community” (Ulbrich, 2003), most people think of folk art as anti-political, but for protests, folk art is usually used. Similarly, Diego Rivera painted a painting that was far too political to be shown on a wall (McNearney, 2017). Despite widespread criticism, Rivera remained steadfast and demonstrated that art can be political. Finally, art must be political in light of all of this because the artist who creates art must be aware. As Ulbricht pointed out in their article; some theorists like Plato and Tolstoy emphasized the instrumental qualities of art. For many, instrumentalist art was a tool, a shaper of political attitudes, and its function was social. In summary, it has been shown from this review that, the work of art performs an important function in illuminating different views by providing critical experience references.

In the case of history, people can learn more about themselves by looking at the artwork, which can be even more fascinating. The artwork may, for example, be about a war or another historical event. In Tharoor’s article ‘’Eighty years later, the Nazi war crime in Guernica still matters”, Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist, had the famous massacre wall painting depicting Guernica’s ordeal was the first to be seen at an international art fair, and it has lasted to this day. As a result of a work of art, it is important for works of art to enter the future in order for people to learn about their culture and past and to live in a sensitive manner. Even if the people who lived in the past are no longer alive, incidents, conflicts, and even significant events can be passed down through the generations through a piece of art. Meanwhile, in the “How We Should Respond to Photographs of Suffering’’ Sentilles emphasizes an Israeli photographer and author who believes that photos have formability and the ability to alter. Past experiences cannot be relived, but they can be faithfully projected into the future due to works of art. Furthermore, according to Sentilles, when viewing a photo, the still image begins to shift, which is an indication of revitalization. When a historical topic is discussed and art is exposed in these posts, The goal is to show how individuals are tied to history and how they might better understand history. Tharoor and Sentilles’ articles are about artists who have developed important works of art on historical themes that have sparked the public’s curiosity. It’s also worth mentioning that individuals have a harder time forgetting about pieces of art they’ve seen or learned about. It has a lot more weight, especially if the work of art is about history. In addition to all of this, works of art are used to transmit our culture and culture to future generations of our society. Photographs, drawings, and other forms of art ensure the society has a dynamic framework that can be studied in this way. Artwork can be a strong way to represent society because it is still catchy and intriguing. If the artwork is to history, as stated in the Tharoor and Sentilles’ documents, it would be more noticeable.

To sum up; the social function of art has come to the fore throughout history. Art has been a source for us in learning both the past and what is happening today. Overall, As part of social life, art takes on a function intertwined with life. In this context, the most powerful work of art is a bridge that connects the past and the future through the present. Because the work of art acquires a historical dimension by discussing and criticizing the past; it acquires a social-realistic dimension by reflecting the day; it also acquires a political dimension by designing the future. Here, while art creates a number of universal values, its function is inevitably directed from the individual to the collective.

Bibliography:

· Eighty years later, the Nazi war criminals in Guernica still matters, By Ishaan Tharoor (Thursday 27 April 2017 14:48)

· How we should respond to Photographs of Suffering, by Sarah Sentilles (New Yorker Magazine, August 3, 2017, https://www.newyorker.com/books/second-read/how-we-should-respond-to-photographs-of-suffering )

· When Nelson Rockefeller Killed Diego Rivera’s Communist Mural, by Allison McNeary (Daily Beast, 04.13.17)

· Learning about Political Art in the Classroom and Community, by J. Ulbricht (Art Education , May, 2003, Vol. 56, №3 (May, 2003), pp. 6–12)