History of How Art Influences the World
As an artist, I believe that art has the power to move people in ways that other forms of communication cannot. In ancient civilizations, art served as a means of honoring deities and glorifying rulers, often reinforcing the prevailing societal hierarchies.
However, as societies became more complex and diverse, art began to take on new forms and purposes. In the Middle Ages, for example, art served as a way of communicating religious ideas to a largely illiterate population. Iconic paintings and sculptures were used to convey stories from the Bible and other religious texts, while stained-glass windows and illuminated manuscripts were used to decorate places of worship and convey important messages to the faithful.
During the Renaissance, art experienced a revival, as artists began experimenting with new techniques and exploring new subjects. Renaissance art often depicted human figures and scenes from everyday life, reflecting a growing interest in the individual and the natural world. This focus on humanism and individualism helped to fuel the Renaissance's wider cultural and intellectual revolution.
In more recent times, art has continued to be a powerful force for social change and cultural progress. From the political posters and murals of the 20th century to the contemporary art installations and performance pieces of today, artists have used their work to challenge dominant narratives and inspire social and political movements.
Art Interconnects with Social Issues
Many famous artists have used their art to make a difference. For example, Picasso's painting Guernica raised awareness about the horrors of war and the suffering of innocent civilians. Frida Kahlo's paintings were deeply personal and often dealt with issues like pain, identity, and the struggle for survival. Banksy is a contemporary artist who uses his art to make political and social commentary. These artists have shown us that art has the power to provoke and challenge us, make us see the world in a new light, inspire us to enhance our vision, and evoke us to make actions.
What Art Make You See
Art has had a profound impact on society and human consciousness throughout history. By providing new perspectives and avenues for self-expression, art has given people the tools to question prevailing norms and imagine new possibilities for themselves and the world around them. Like Edgar Degas once said, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." Through my paintings, I raise awareness about critical environmental issues like extinction, pollution, and overuse of resources, and at the same time, through art, I show nature's beauty and uniqueness.
I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the incredible diversity of life on our planet. I use animals as a powerful symbol of the flora and fauna that occupy the entire planet. My project,
"Sharing the Planet" reflects the unity of all living organisms that inhabit the Earth and gives a sense of accomplice to each other. As an artist, I always seek ways to challenge myself and push my boundaries. One of the ways I do this is by using a limited color palette in my paintings. By limiting the number of colors, I put myself in a position to find more creative ways of using it that allows me to create a more cohesive and unified work. It also enhances a certain level of depth and complexity in my paintings.
Animals as a Symbol of Flora and Fauna
I depict animals such as bison, owls, deer, brown bears, black bears, bald eagles, gray wolves, etc., among the animals native to North America. Some of them are at risk of extinction right now. For example, gray wolves are endangered in the USA due to hunting, habitat loss, and disease. They are primarily found in the northern Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes regions. Conservation efforts have helped the population slowly recover, but continued actions are necessary to ensure long-term survival. Also, I feature animals from other continents, such as cheetahs from Africa and elephants from Asia. In addition, I depict koalas, which are facing a growing threat of extinction due to habitat loss, wildfires, and other factors.
I take great pleasure in researching and learning about the animals I paint. For instance, did you know that gray wolves were once found throughout the United States but are now endangered in many states due to hunting and habitat destruction? Or that koalas have a special diet of eucalyptus leaves that are poisonous to most other animals? These fascinating facts and more inspire me to paint and raise awareness about animals.
Take an Action
As an artist, I find myself in a unique position to use my creativity to raise essential issues via visual experience. People can reduce waste and help the environment by choosing sustainable products and always recycling. This simple act supports the recycling industry and creates demand for recycled products, reducing waste in landfills. It also helps to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save energy.
Consequences
For example, sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, a common prey item, and can become severely ill or even die after ingesting plastic waste. Similarly, many marine mammals, such as seals and dolphins, become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that have been broken down by the sun and waves, are also ingested by small organisms at the base of the food chain, such as plankton, which can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.
Art Has a Power to Unite People
I believe that art is a universal language that can unite people from all walks of life. Art has the power to transcend language, culture, and nationality. It allows us to connect with one another on a deeper level, regardless of our differences. In a world that is often divided by misunderstanding and conflict, art has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change. Through my paintings, I hope to promote understanding and empathy between people from different backgrounds and cultures, while raising awareness about critical environmental issues.