Why art is essential
Why does art matter? The question seems simple enough, but don’t be mistaken. In a society where economics and politics govern, the case for art threatens to reduce into a tale of numbers and policy. While investment in the arts is a proven economic and tourism boon, its value is far more profound than that, albeit less quantifiable. Here’s a glimpse into why art is essential for life.
Erica Tandori 'Celestial Light'
When the dust settles, there’s only art
Long expired civilisations are remembered through the art they created. The Renaissance for example – a period of immense development and transformation throughout Europe – has been distilled to the masterpieces it produced. Through these works, historians can excavate the culture’s values, contentions and innovations.
On a more personal level, the same can be said for individuals. In the art they leave, those who have been passed can be revisited. A link is forged between generations past and generations to come.
Connecting cultures, communities and people
Whoever thought the artist was a perpetually lone figure was wrong. Art as an expression of human experience is perhaps the world’s best conduit for connection, bar actually human interaction.
Evading the didactic in favour of nuance, art has an unparalleled ability to explore new perspectives and in doing so, it invites us to discover, relate to and understand ourselves and others.
Tell your story
Whether you make art, love it or both, you have probably noticed its kinship with storytelling. The stories it tells – whether about our lives, families or cities – help make sense of an otherwise baffling existence. This pursuit is not only edifying, it's essential to our existential health.
We fumble around for reasons why art is essential, but in truth the job is better left to art itself.
Discover art that speaks for itself here.
