Tag: artistic freedom

Posted on

Priyanka Shetty: Crafting #CHARLOTTESVILLE: Theatre from the Unite the Right Rally

Podcast Description

Priyanka Shetty was an acting student at The University of Virginia on her summer break in 2017 when the Alt Right rally dubbed “Unite the Right” took place. The event left such a mark that, as an immigrant from India, she was compelled to write plays like #CHARLOTTESVILLE, which premiered at the Keegan Theatre in Washington, DC. In The Creative Mindset, I converse with award-winning playwright and actor Priyanka Shetty to unpack art, identity, and resilience. Join us for vibrant chats that inspire and spark new ideas!





Posted on

The Heart Of Humanity: Art is not a luxury, it’s an essential.

Art is often seen as a luxury, something that is nice to have but not necessarily essential. Yet, the undeniable truth is that the world needs art. It has the power to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. From the colorful murals on city streets to the stunning sculptures in public parks, art can be found everywhere, brightening up our surroundings and enriching our lives.

Why is it important for the world to have art? In this blog post, we will explore the various ways in which art contributes to society and the individuals within it, and ponder on the question of why art is essential. From its ability to serve as a tool for self-expression, to its ability to raise awareness about important social and political issues, we will delve into the many reasons why art is essential for a healthy and thriving society.

Art gives individuals an outlet to creatively express themselves and their unique perspectives.

Through art, individuals can communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to others in a way that is both personal and universal. A painter may use bright colors and bold brushstrokes to convey a sense of energy and movement, while a sculptor may use heavy textures and rough lines to convey a sense of weight and solidity. A musician may use melody and harmony to evoke a range of emotions, and a poet may use metaphor and imagery to convey complex ideas. 

Art is often used to explore personal identity and to reflect on one’s place in the world. A photographer may use the camera to document their personal experiences and perspective on the world, while a performance artist may use the body as a medium to express their unique point of view.

Art inspires thought, encouraging people to see the world in new ways.

Through its ability to convey meaning and evoke emotion, art can challenge people’s assumptions and broaden their perspectives across different mediums. A novel by a writer like Toni Morrison can provide a unique perspective on race and history, helping readers to see the world in new ways. A contemporary dance performance by a choreographer like Martha Graham can challenge the audience’s understanding of movement and the body. A craftsperson like Dale Chihuly, who works with glass can inspire people to think more creatively about the material and its possibilities, and how it can be used in art.

Art brings people together fostering a sense of community, and connects individuals with similar values.

Art brings people together fostering a sense of community, and connects individuals with similar values.

Art has the power to bring people together and foster a sense of community by connecting individuals with similar values and interests. August Wilson, whose works explores the African American experience, can bring together audiences of diverse backgrounds who share an interest in understanding and exploring this experience. A modern art painter like Frida Kahlo whose works are deeply personal and often reflect her identity as a Mexican woman can connect people from similar backgrounds who share an interest in understanding and exploring these themes. Alain Badiou who uses art as a medium to explore and communicate complex ideas, can bring together people who share an interest in exploring these ideas and the role of art in philosophy.

With the advent of  social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram and Twitter, art is creating connections in a whole new way. For example, on Instagram, there are various communities dedicated to specific art forms, such as photography, illustration, or street art, which bring together artists, enthusiasts and art appreciators who share a passion for these forms. Similarly, on YouTube, there are channels dedicated to different art forms and techniques, such as drawing tutorials, music performances, or dance tutorials, which bring together people who share an interest in learning and practicing these art forms. On Twitter, there are various art-related hashtags and accounts such as #artlovers, #artistsoninstagram, #artsy, which allow people to connect with other art lovers and artists from around the world.

Art conveys messages and ideas in powerful and evocative ways.

Through the use of symbolism, metaphor, and other literary devices, art can communicate complex ideas and emotions in a way that is both direct and nuanced. The works of the artist Banksy, often address political and social issues using the medium of street art, creating powerful visual statements that can be easily understood by a wide audience. The iconic “Guernica” painting by Pablo Picasso, painted as a reaction to the bombing of the Spanish town during the Spanish Civil War, conveys the horrors of war and the suffering of innocent civilians. The “I am a Man” photograph by Ernest Withers, taken during the Civil Rights Movement, conveys the message of the struggle for equality and the power of peaceful protest.

Art raises awareness about important social and political issues.

Through the use of various mediums and techniques, artists can draw attention to issues that may be overlooked or misunderstood by the general public. The works of the artist Ai Weiwei, often addresses human rights issues, censorship, and the surveillance state in China. His art became a political act and a form of protest. The works of the artist Kehinde Wiley, address issues of representation and the representation of black bodies in Western art. His paintings depict contemporary black people in poses that are traditionally reserved for powerful historical or mythical figures, subverting traditional notions of power and representation. The works of the artist JR, whose street art addresses issues of poverty, inequality, and discrimination by pasting large-scale photographs of marginalized individuals in public spaces.

Art has therapeutic benefits, helping us cope with stress, anxiety.

Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting can provide a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which can be beneficial for mental health. Art therapy, which is a form of therapy that uses art making as a means of self-expression, has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and addiction. Art therapy can help individuals to process and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words, such as trauma or grief. It can help to improve communication, problem-solving, and self-esteem. Moreover, creating art can also provide an outlet for stress and anxiety, as it allows individuals to focus on the present moment and engage in a calming and meditative activity.Art can also be used in group therapy sessions, allowing individuals to connect with others and feel less alone in their struggles. 

Art preserves cultural heritage, helping future generations to understand and appreciate the traditions of their ancestors.

Throughout history, art has been used to record and celebrate cultural customs, beliefs, and traditions. For example, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and pyramids, ancient Greek pottery and sculptures, and medieval European tapestries, all provide insight into the cultural heritage of their respective civilizations. In modern times, traditional art forms such as indigenous textiles, pottery, and jewelry, continue to be created and passed down through generations. 

Museums and cultural institutions play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage by collecting, preserving, and displaying traditional art and artifacts. The British Museum holds one of the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world, allowing people to learn about and appreciate the cultural heritage of ancient Egypt. Many countries have national museums that preserve and showcase traditional art and artifacts, such as The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico, that holds one of the most extensive collections of pre-Columbian art and artifacts in the world. 

Art educates, providing a more engaging and meaningful way to learn about history, science, and other subjects.

Plays such as Shakespeare’s works provide a way to explore historical events and figures in a way that is both entertaining and informative. Movie documentaries such as Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” provide a visual and emotional way to learn about historical events and figures. 

In schools, art education can be used to supplement traditional classroom instruction. Learning about ancient Egyptian culture through studying the art and artifacts of the civilization can provide a more engaging and memorable way to learn about the subject. Additionally, using art in science classes, such as creating models or illustrations to explain scientific concepts can make the material more relatable and easier to understand.

Art provides economic benefits, supporting local artists and businesses, and generates tourism.

The art industry, which includes the creation, promotion, and sale of artworks, is a significant contributor to the economy, providing jobs and income for a wide range of people, from artists and artisans to art dealers, curators, and art educators. A thriving local art scene can attract tourists, who visit art galleries, museums, and art fairs, thus generating income for local businesses and supporting the local economy. The presence of that vibrant art scene can attract other businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail shops, which benefit from the increased foot traffic. 

The art industry also generates income through the licensing and merchandising of artworks, allowing the public to purchase reproductions, such as prints, posters, and clothing featuring popular artworks.It also generates income through the creation of art-related products such as art supplies, art books, and art-related tours. Let’s not forget government funding such as grants and tax incentives, which can help to support the creation and promotion of art. 

Of course, the purchase of artworks can also provide income for artists and artisans, allowing them to continue to create and produce new works.

Art brings joy, beauty, and inspiration, makes the world more vibrant and meaningful.

    • From the colorful murals on city streets to the stunning sculptures in public parks, art can be found everywhere, brightening up our surroundings and enriching our lives.
    • A painting can evoke a range of emotions and evoke a sense of wonder and awe, providing a window into the artist’s perspective and emotions.
    • Music can lift our spirits and make us feel more connected to the world around us. It can also inspire and evoke emotions, making it a powerful tool for self-expression.
    • Theater brings together the elements of acting, script, design, and direction to create a live performance that can evoke emotions and inspire audiences.
    • Dance can be a powerful tool for self-expression and storytelling, and can be used to convey emotions and ideas in a dynamic and visually stunning way.
    • Photography can capture a moment in time and provide a window into other cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, providing a sense of connection and community.
    • Film can challenge our assumptions, inspire us to see things in a new way, and evoke a range of emotions.
    • Sculpture can provide a connection to the past, and can evoke a sense of wonder and awe, through the manipulation of materials and space.
    • Poetry can be used to express complex ideas and emotions in a concise and evocative way, and can evoke a sense of wonder and awe through the use of imagery and metaphor.
    • Literature can be used to explore personal identity, and to reflect on one’s place in the world, through the use of character development and story-telling.
    • Graphic design can be used to convey ideas and emotions through the use of typography, imagery, and layout, and can evoke a sense of wonder and awe through the use of color, form and composition.

Art is essential.

Art is a vital and essential aspect of society. It has the power to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. It can bring joy, beauty, and inspiration to our daily lives, making the world more vibrant and meaningful. Additionally, art serves as a tool for self-expression, providing a way for individuals to explore and understand their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It can also raise awareness about important social and political issues, and can be used as a tool for personal growth and healing. Art has the power to preserve cultural heritage, and can provide economic benefits by supporting local artists and businesses and generating tourism. Without art, the world would be a less colorful, less meaningful, and less inspiring place. Art is not just a luxury but a necessity, and should be valued and supported.

Posted on

The Sacred Right: Why Artistic Freedom of Speech Must be Protected for All.

Why is artistic freedom important? Artists need the freedom of experimentation and communication when it comes to their ideas. It’s important that artists feel they can speak without fear of retribution. When denied this leeway, it’s inevitable that they will resort to self-censorship, which reduces the power of their words. Making it crucial that artists have the freedom to openly communicate ideas.

Artists have always been at the forefront of the movement to end human rights violations. Without the safety to express themselves openly, artists can become powerless. This affects their ability to use their voice to bring about positive social change. The ability to express and appreciate our differences is a crucial aspect of the advancement of cultural diversity.
The right to free speech promotes cultural variety by allowing people to openly discuss their own ethnic backgrounds. A lack of free speech and press can threaten political expression, which in turn threatens diversity of political viewpoints. Citizens need the freedom to speak their minds in order for a democracy to function properly. 

These basic freedoms are in jeopardy if people are unable to express their opinions. A lack of political participation and a dilution of democratic power is a result of restrictions to freely express oneself. While freedom of speech can be difficult and uncomfortable it is an essential part of the human experience. We must allow ourselves and others to sit in that discomfort without being tempted to take actions against the words themselves.

In order for artists to explore and express their unique ideas, free speech is essential.

Free expression is essential for creatives, as it allows them to test out their ideas without fear of a negative consequence. The Artist’s power lies within experimentation and communicating their ideas without fear of retribution. To produce work that is both significant and thought-provoking, creatives need the freedom of speech.
To accomplish this, people need to be able to express themselves verbally and in writing without fear of repercussions. There are several artistic movements that aided in the forward progression of both art and society thanks to the freedom of speech and exploration of innovative ideas.

 
In the early 20th century, the surrealist movement began. The surrealist artistic and literary movement aimed to question established values and probe the subconscious. The use of surreal and peculiar imagery, and unexpected pairing of concepts were hallmarks of the movement. The surrealist’s exploration of the unconscious mind and rejection of conventional ideals would not have been possible without the protection of free expression.
African-American creative expression was established during the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural upsurge that put a spotlight on African American art and ideology. The period brought the blooming of creative endeavors that pushed the boundaries of accepted ideology on race and individuality. Without the artistic freedom, the Harlem Renaissance’s daring and imaginative celebration of African American culture and intellectualism would not have been possible. 

The Feminist art movement of the 1960s and 1970s worked to dismantle stereotypical gender roles in the arts and bring more attention to the work of modern female artists. The movement was defined by its inclusion of feminist theory into the creative process and its emphasis on feminism subject matter. The feminist art movement was able to highlight the achievements of female artists and question traditional gender roles because of the freedom of speech. 

The conceptual art movement in the 1960s and 1970s brought redefining art to the forefront. It was distinguished from more conventional forms of artistic expression by its preeminent reliance on ideas and concepts as its principal medium. The freedom of expression was crucial to the success of the conceptual art movement, which sought to radically redefine the meaning of art.
Punk rock emerged in the 1970s as an attempt to shake up established norms in both the music industry and society. While the music was confrontational, and the lyrics often dealt with social or political themes, the movement woke people up to the world around them. The punk rock movement’s creative and daring take on music and society was made possible by unrestricted speech and press.

Free speech is essential to the exchange of ideas and the advancement of knowledge.

In order to make forward progress as a society, it is crucial that we have the freedom to openly discuss each other’s points of view through freedom of speech. Without the right to express oneself freely, we are unable to have candid conversations about the issues that are important to us. This inevitably leads to a stalemate in terms of innovation and development within society. The following movements greatly helped to move society in a forward direction thanks to the freedom of speech and the exchange of ideas. 

The Enlightenment was a time of great philosophical and intellectual development in the 18th century. Knowledge in areas like physics, philosophy, and political theory advanced thanks to the open dialogue that preceded time. Freedom of speech was essential to the Enlightenment, and without it thought and progress would have reached a stalemate. 

The scientific revolution occurred between the 16th and 17th century and was marked by a rapid expansion of scientific knowledge and the development of new technologies. Progress was made in areas like physics, chemistry, and biology thanks to an open flow of information and ideas. Due to the fact that people were able to express themselves freely the scientific revolution brought about great change and innovation. 

The Renaissance was a time of great intellectual and cultural development in Europe throughout the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. Art, literature, and science all greatly advanced thanks to the unrestricted flow of information and ideas that marked this period. Without the right to speak freely and publish new ideas, the Renaissance never would have happened. Civilization never would have blossomed without the freedom of the speech the movement brought about. 

Ancient Greece was a hub of learning, and its philosophical schools were at the heart of that growth. The free flow of ideas and the expansion of scientific, mathematical, and philosophical understanding were hallmarks of the periods. The Greek philosophical schools would not have flourished without unrestricted speech and writing. Without these ideals thought and advancement would have been stifled. 

The printing press, developed in the 15th century, significantly altered the pace and reach of knowledge dissemination. It made it simpler to print and distribute books, which facilitated the spread of ideas and the growth of knowledge. The printing press’s revolutionary impact on the dissemination of information and the growth of understanding was made possible by the protection of free speech and the press. 

To protect human rights, freedom of speech is crucial.

The defense of human rights heavily depends on the availability of free expression. Artists have always been in the forefront of the movement to end human rights violations. Without the safety to express themselves openly, artists will be powerless to use their voice to bring about positive social change. There have been several movements throughout history that perfectly illustrate the importance of freedom of speech. 

The Civil Rights movement to remove segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States is a great example of the power of free speech. Protests were nonviolent, civil disobedience was common, and people were free to speak their minds. The right to freely express oneself in writing and speech was crucial to the success of the Civil Rights movement in its fight against discrimination and segregation. 

South African artists and activists exploited their visibility during the apartheid era to call attention to the country’s appalling human rights record. The end of apartheid and the formation of a democratic government can be directly attributed to the efforts of these artists and writers. The creatives and activists’ ability to question the government and inspire change through their medium was made possible by the freedom to speak and write freely.
In the fight for LGBTQ+ equality the goal is to ensure that all members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated fairly and with dignity. Characteristics include openness to LGBTQ+ expression and advocacy for rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ rights movement was effective in its fight of discrimination and inequality due to the freedom of speech. 

The drive to end women’s suffrage was an effort for women to get the right to vote in national elections. It was distinguished by peaceful protest and civil disobedience, as well as by the unfettered advocacy of women’s rights. This movement challenged the exclusion of women from the political process. The women’s suffrage movement would not have been as effective if it was restricted by how freely its members could speak. 

The human rights movement is an international effort to defend and expand people’s basic liberties. Hallmarks of the movement include nonviolent protest and civil disobedience, which is marked by open discussion of human rights problems. The human rights movement would not have been as effective in its opposition to human rights abuses and injustices if its members were not guaranteed the right to free speech and the press.

Free speech is essential to the promotion of cultural diversity.

The ability to express and appreciate our differences is crucial to the advancement of cultural diversity in a world where there are many distinct cultures, languages, and customs. Without the right to express ourselves freely, we are unable to truly embrace and enjoy the rich and vibrant diversity that makes up our world. 

Freedom of expression fosters multilingualism by allowing people to communicate in the language of their choice. Without the right to freely express oneself in writing and speech, we risk losing a variety of languages that help make up the wonderful tapestry of culture that is the human experience. 

Cultural variety and diversity is fostered by the ability to freely share and discuss thoughts and customs with one another. Without the right to freely express oneself we risk losing the diversity that makes our planet so interesting and vibrant. The right to free speech promotes cultural variety by allowing people to openly discuss their own cultural backgrounds and practices. Without this we could experience cultural uniformity and the loss of the cultural diversity that makes our world a more interesting place. 

Free expression promotes religious variety by allowing people to act on their own religious convictions. There are many different religions and without the right to freely express oneself, religious freedom would be jeopardized. If this were to happen, culture would lose its diversity and the vitality that makes it special.
Political participation and the freedom of speech both encourage citizens to have their voices heard in government and to support a wide range of viewpoints. Lack of free speech and press threatens political expression, which threatens the diversity of political viewpoints necessary for a thriving democracy.

The importance of the optimal functioning of democracy can’t be overstated, and free speech is an essential aspect.

For a democracy to function properly, it is crucial that its citizens enjoy the freedom to speak their minds without fear of retribution. This is an essential aspect for the free flow of information, the growth of understanding, and the defense of individual liberties. These basic freedoms are at jeopardy if people are unable to express their opinions, which would result in a society that is less accepting of differences. 

Citizens are able to hold their government officials accountable for their acts and policies when they have the right to express their opinions. A lack of transparency and accountability in government could be the result of its citizens being unable to express their thoughts and hold their legislators accountable due to a lack of freedom of speech. 

Free speech guarantees an environment conducive to the frank and free interchange of ideas and opinions that is vital to the success of any democracy. Public debate would be stifled without the right to speak and write freely. This would result in a lack of various opinions and an absence of informed decision-making. 

Voter turnout is important because people are more likely to vote when they have access to information about the issues and candidates on the ballot. A lack of political participation and a dilution of democratic power would result from restrictions on the right to freely express oneself through writing and speech.
The ability to freely express oneself is essential to the protection of minority rights because it enables marginalized communities to fight for their interests and have their concerns addressed through the democratic process. The voices of marginalized communities must be heard and their interests need to be protected, and freedom of speech allows for both of these essential elements to happen. 

Advocating for political change and holding government officials accountable are both made possible by the right to free expression. Less progress and a less responsive government would be the result of the restriction in the public’s ability to speak and write freely. This would make it more difficult to advocate for change and hold the government accountable.

Now You:

Tell me where I’m wrong, or missed something entirely. Express yourself and make me better.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn