THE POWER OF ART
~ An exploration of Art’s Profound Impact on Our Society by Varun Bhalla.
UNDERSTANDING ART
Art is an expression, a way of communicating through emotions and beauty. Art comes to life when the boundless realm of imagination and the spark of creativity unite, giving birth to creations that tantalize our senses and invite us into a world of wonder. Be it the sense of sight which is considered to be the most common form of art or our auditory and tactile senses, art always surprises us and gives us a wide range of thought, opening a new world in our minds. Even though art has been a subject of ongoing contemplation, there exists an agreement that there are a few kinds of art. These include paintings, sculptures, architecture, literature, cinema, theater and my personal favorite music. All of these types excite our senses in their own different ways.
ART AS A WEB
Art forms a web of connections. A significant portion of cinema draws inspiration from literary works. Youth literature combines with visual graphics to mold and ignite imaginations. Poetic verses find new life through music, infusing emotions into both the words and visual storytelling. Images often serve as impactful cover art for musical compositions, enriching the narratives expressed through sound. It’s worth noting that nearly all forms of art begin as written or sketched concepts before evolving into comprehensive creations. Each piece commences with a spark of thought, a notion aimed at engaging the minds of all and leaving an indelible imprint on this vast world.
THE ROLE OF CINEMA
There are many social issues which have been showcased in different visual arts such as cinema or theater. Let us take an example of the popular movie Joker. Being so far apart from the superhero stereotype, this movie visualizes the indifferent attitude shown by society towards mental patients. It highlights the reality that society tends to engage with individuals facing mental health challenges only when it suits their convenience. However, when the circumstances demand additional effort, they either resort to extreme measures like violence or opt for incarceration.
Other than the therapeutic effect movies like Udta Punjab, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, The Pursuit of Happiness talk about drug abuse in Punjab, lack of public toilets in many regions of India and struggles of single parents facing unemployment. These films and performances significantly contribute to raising global awareness about these societal concerns and imparting guidance on how to confront and address them.
THE WORLD OF MUSIC
Music being an artform spread widely in this era through online streaming platforms and the internet is known as the universal language and plays a big role in spreading messages to the world in an artistic way.
Even though it is not much impactful when compared to visual arts, many musical pieces talk about different social issues faced in society. While songs like Earth by Lil Dicky talk about preserving the earth and prevent the evironment crises, the famous track Azaadi from the movie “Gully Boy” depicts the corrupt political and business systems in India. Music is a whole new realm, an escape to reality which reaches our hearts and touches us emotionally. We all see many people listening to different genres of music and getting influenced by it and thus these varieties of songs have a significant influence in fostering a global emotional connection with the myriad social issues prevalent in society.
LITERATURE AND SOCIETY
As said by Charles William Eliot, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”. This quote beautifully encapsulates the unique qualities of books, highlighting their capacity to enrich our lives with their constant presence, wisdom, and educational value.
Books are portrayed as enduring and versatile companions in our lives. They are silent but ever-present friends, ready to offer solace and wisdom without interruption. Take, for instance, the book The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank depicts the young daughter of a Jewish family hiding during the Nazi takeover in the Netherlands. This literary work has emerged as a powerful emblem and reminder of the impact of racial persecution.
CONCLUSION
To sum it up, the magic of art touches our lives in ways that are deeply personal. It’s not just about the strokes of a brush on canvas, the scenes on a movie screen, the beats in a song, or the words on a page. It’s about how art makes us feel, how it makes us think, and how it connects us to the world and each other. Think about the last time you stood in front of an astounding painting, watched a movie that left you speechless, sang along to a song that moved you, or got lost in the pages of a gripping book. These experiences are more than just entertainment; they’re windows into the human condition, our joys, our struggles, and our hopes. Art isn’t just a reflection of society; it’s a conversation with society. It speaks to us, challenges us, and sometimes even changes us.
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Instagram: @varunnbhalla
