Is art an effective tool to change perceptions and behavior?
In ‘From Art to Politics’, Murray Edelman argues: “Together art, the mind and the situations in which they are applied construct and transform beliefs about the social world. … But for the most part they do so in a masked fashion, leaving the impression that these beliefs are based upon observation.”
Contrary to the didactic nature of scientific or ‘factual’ communication, the most effective art is that which is ambiguous, allowing the viewer his own interpretation. It is this ‘free-learning’ combination of the artwork and its open interpretation that makes art such a persuasive and culturally powerful force for change.
Effective art does not attempt to provide answers. Rather its role is to raise questions, launching a journey of the mind that finds its own answers.
Many questions swirl around the issue of how humans can live successfully without destroying the world around them. Many artists are producing work that provokes debate and discussion by challenging conventional thinking in a way that engages audiences. Art that goes beyond the narrow confines of conservation and environmentalism to the broader debate around sustainability.
“It is widely acknowledged that the shaping and reshaping of the social world is accomplished in large part by cultural representations – those depictions, illustrations, likenesses, icons, pictures and portraits that are produced by a culture.” (Linda Kalof: Looking at Animals in Human History)
Very interesting artwork. I love it.
Maybe these pictures will help us to hang on to the feelings of shock and revulsion we all felt as the banking empire collapsed. Then maybe we can live differently and tread more lightly on the planet.