The Importance Of Art
- sn pubs
- Jan 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 25
Before we begin, it is important to address what is even considered as art. A definition of art by the Oxford dictionary states that art is “the use of imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing, or sculpture”. However, painting, drawing and sculpture (along with several others, such as filmmaking and photography) make up only one of three types of art, known as the visual arts. Literary arts, such as drama, poetry and prose, focus on the use of language for storytelling, the conveying of themes, and evoking emotions. The performing arts, mainly made up of dance, theatre, and music, are performed in front of a live audience, and do not require the creation of static objects (this is what differentiates performing arts from visual arts).
However, when presented with the word “art”, many bring up the words ‘trivial’, ‘unimportant’, and ‘unnecessary’, and they see it as something enjoyed only by those in the upper echelons of society, not part of the life of a common man. However, that is simply not true, and the reason why many think this way is because our idea of art is too narrow. When we think of art, the first thing that pops to mind is perhaps works of “fine art”; the Mona Lisa, Starry Night, or even a…banana taped to a wall? Some others might think of fashion runways, with models dressed in bizarre, almost alien clothing that was made with seemingly no sense of practicality at all. But contrary to popular belief, art is something that exists in our day-to-day lives, something that we partake in almost daily. When was the last time you listened to music? The last time you watched a movie? Or read a book? Sure, the above examples are also something we tend to brush off as “luxuries” instead of “necessities”, something that we as humans can ultimately live without. While that is somewhat true, art is not as insignificant as you might think.
In its essence, art is a form of self-expression, which has four purposes.
The first purpose people think of regarding art is entertainment. Art offers us a glimpse into a different world, and gives us the ability to spend pockets of time in something outside our daily lives, which is especially true for the literary arts and for film. Art becomes an escape from reality, away from our burdens and troubles, rekindling our excitement, nostalgia, and sense of wonder. It helps to break the monotonous flow of everyday life by allowing us to experience a more refreshing perspective. In the words of an article by the Art Business News, “Whether we are looking at a painting, admiring a sculpture, or listening to an opera, art makes us feel alive in ways we thought were unimaginable.” Indeed, when we create art, it allows us to harness our creativity, develop problem solving skills, and helps with a general improvement of our mood.
Secondly, art helps to preserve cultural heritage and pass it down to future generations. Art is a timeless medium in which the values and traditions of a culture are expressed, providing a snapshot of said culture at a point in time, preserving its unique characteristics amidst our rapidly changing social and political landscape. These works of art can then be shown and passed on to the next generation, allowing the youth to explore their roots and ensuring the continuity of one’s culture. Amidst globalisation and cultural homogenisation, art can transcend language barriers and let people from different walks of life across the globe understand and appreciate other cultures, whilst letting one’s culture retain its authenticity and distinct identity. The artwork of various indigenous peoples throughout the world, such as the Sakahan International Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada extend the visibility of indigenous culture by recognising their contributions to a country’s history, ensuring that their stories are told and honoured. In addition, art can lead to cultural revitalisation and reclamation, by rejuvenating lost or forgotten aspects of a culture, rekindling the general public’s interest and appreciation, reinforcing its identity and ensuring its survival.
Thirdly , art can be used to spread awareness about societal issues and become a catalyst for social change. Art can be used to evoke emotions that cannot be conveyed through language, to challenge dominant narratives and shed light on societal issues. It has historically given marginalised communities a voice by calling attention to the discrimination and injustice they face in everyday life, something mainstream media and the general public would not otherwise be aware of. This facilitates the formation of social movements by eliciting empathy and sparking outrage at oppression, creating a shared understanding between the masses and the marginalised and inspiring action. For instance, Pablo Picasso’s 1937 painting, Guernica, about the Nazi bombing of Guernica in the Spanish Civil War became a representation of the atrocities of war, and a poignant symbol of peace and the anti war movement. It highlighted the horrors of fascism and has been referenced in countless peace initiatives since. In more recent times, art in support of the Black Lives Matter movement contributed to the movement’s ‘visual activism’, a means of presenting an uncensored message of putting an end to racism and police violence to the populace. Thus, in a volatile world of political upheaval and civil unrest, art becomes a channel for all groups in society to share their perspective in order to ensure that no voice goes unheard.
Lastly, art allows us to form a sense of identity. This ties into the Hierarchy of Needs, introduced by American psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1954. It comprises a five tier model of human needs, with fundamental needs such as air, water and food at the bottom, which must be fulfilled in order to achieve other needs in the upper tiers of the hierarchy. Art helps us fulfill the last two tiers of needs, self-esteem and self-actualisation. Self esteem encompasses one’s confidence, respect from others, feelings of accomplishment, and the need to be a unique individual, while self-actualisation is the need for personal growth and discovery throughout one’s life. Be it through writing a song, a short story, a poem, or drawing an image, we imprint our personality, our values and our opinions onto it. The creation of our own authentic piece of art free from judgement and the burden of social norms, forces us to process our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to develop a greater understanding of who we are, not only as an individual but also in our interactions with society. Through our understanding of ourselves, we can then begin to work towards self-improvement and self actualisation. Although art does not satisfy our most fundamental needs, it does help us reach two integral parts of being human. Hence, even though art is not our most basic necessity, it does indeed hold significant importance in our lives, providing nourishment not for our bodies, but for our souls.
Amber
Secondary 3 Unity
2025
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