Importance of art

The Importance of Art in Society

As I write here today, I am reminded of the power of art to inspire and reflect on the important role it plays in our society. Without art, our world would be a dull and unimaginative place. Art is not just a form of self-expression, but a necessary part of what makes us human.

Throughout history, art has been engaged with the political and social issues of the time. From the Russian avant-garde to contemporary artists working today, art has always been a way to challenge prevailing images of power and stereotypes fed to us by the media.

Art is not just about creating something beautiful, but about taking a position and making a statement. It is about using our freedom to act and express ourselves in a way that challenges the status quo. As Anthony Gormley so eloquently put it, "Art is about one person's expectation of and their use of their own freedom to act."

Art has the power to change the way we think, to challenge our opinions and beliefs, and to open up new horizons beyond what is familiar to us. It exposes what is often hidden and gives voice to the marginalized and oppressed. Art is the conscience of society, prompting us to ask questions and think critically about the world around us.

In a world driven by popular consensus and conservative values, art advocates for difference and gives voice to the other. It is a form of soft power that changes the world in subtle but important ways. As Kendall Geers so aptly put it, "Art shakes the tree and then all the monkeys fall out."

Artistic imagination and creativity are not added bonuses for society, but an integral part of what makes us human. It is essential that we prioritize art in our education system and recognize its importance in shaping our understanding of the world.

In a time when public space and information are increasingly being privatized and regulated, art is the last frontier of unregulated free expression. It is born of and advocates for freedom, and its ability to go beyond the possible and into the imaginable should be an inspiration to us all.

So let us open our eyes to art and surprise ourselves. As Oscar Wilde so eloquently put it, "No great artist sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist."