In a world increasingly dominated by science, technology, and societal norms, the soul of artistic expression finds itself under siege. From the fading appreciation of creative spaces to the overshadowing of artistic careers by professions deemed more “practical,” the erosion of art is ever-present in today’s society. As mechanization and modernization take center stage, the question becomes not only about survival but about the value art brings to humanity—its role in defining our passions, our individuality, and the very essence of what makes us human. Is art truly dispensable, or is it what keeps our spirit alive?
Author: Margianna Bouzounieraki
We now live in a STEM ruled world where everything around us has been mechanized, modernized and made to fit a specific societal ideal. More and more color is being drained from the world as grey and futuristic villas take the place of lively and unique artful dwellings, square cyber trucks replace charming and nostalgic timeless classics, and the vibrant, funky and loud clothes have been swapped for ‘cleaner’ looks thanks to mainstream monotony.
Unfortunately, this matter extends beyond materialistic objects. Decade after decade, artists find themselves increasingly overshadowed by scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Lawyers, doctors, and politicians play the role of accomplices, while teenagers become witnesses to a figurative blood-stained canvas as flock after flock of lambs we call youth get slaughtered at the hands of a harsh reality. The falsely innocent shepherds are only here to misguide and mislead you into choosing a life of weary existence of unyielding labor by blinding you with a deceptive idea of greed and a life of luxury.
This is especially seen in today’s society, where science and technology are developing at massive levels and art is consequently being cast aside and seen as something that holds little value. Additionally, artificial intelligence is also in a sense robbing that minute speckle of hope we cling onto, as it is now able to produce art on its own—it can create anything, from a picture of your dream home to a hyper-realistic painting or even video of you chatting with your favorite celebrity. The way it is able to produce realistic and specialized art in just a few minutes or even seconds is slowly beginning to replace the need for human-made art. This has led to many asking the question: Do we really need art? Does it really hold any value other than aesthetic appeal?
As the quote famously delivered by the character John Keating, portrayed by Robin Williams, in Peter Weir and Tom Schulman’s ‘Dead Poets Society’ goes, “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
Art is, quite literally, one of the main things that so many people live for. Music, paintings, performances—they contain so much passion, emotion and love in them which can truly be felt by the audience, even if they don’t know the work that was put into the creation of a certain piece. Our ability to connect as human beings has been heightened by the introduction of art into our lives, and will continue to flourish as long as we keep this area of creativity alive within us.
Art, at its core, is more than just aesthetic; it’s a form of communication that transcends barriers. It inspires, heals, and reflects the complexities of humanity. Without it, life would be stripped of its excitement, and most significant of all, its purpose. The massacre of art isn’t just about the loss of creators—it’s about the erosion of the very essence of who we are. To save art is to save humanity itself. Will we rise to protect it, or let it vanish into obscurity? The choice lies with us.
Image Source: 5 Local Art Galleries You Can Drive to From Bentonville, AR – Crain Hyundai of Bentonville Blog
Edited by: Marina Varnava
