READING:
The Power of Art in Society
by Deborah Barr
Recent art theory and criticism reflects a shift of emphasis from the object to the experience of the viewer. Always before the object fit into theoretical emphasis and formal content. Now there is a suggestion that art can, through intimate identification, create empathy. This means art that challenges the viewer not just visually or through the intellect, but through their whole emotional, spiritual, ethical, intuitive and psychological being. To find empathy, requires us to reach beyond our differences to a point of shared humanity.
Art communicates on a much deeper level than the written word and can challenge and encourage critical thinking. Certain types of art can also be used to build awareness within a society about given issues, but it must do so from a place of affinity for and with the viewer. Art that empowers the viewer immerses both the artist and the audience in a conversation where subjectivity is tested, and agreement sought. It requires art work that respects the personal dimensions of resistance to transformation that each of us have within us, and which can help build community by presenting shared experiences, including difficulties or suffering, in such a way that empathy for self and others is created.
Empathy begins with the self reaching out to another self, an underlying dynamic of feeling that becomes the source of activism. As an artist who addresses issues regarding children, I have often reflected on how my work relates to the idea of "artist as activist." My intention in my creative process is to catch attention by creating a visual dialog that the viewer can intimately identify with, and the challenge for me as an artist is to go beyond the internal barriers that separate us from each other. What I want is for my art to act as a "reflection of self" in such a way that it awakens a glimmer of understanding and compassion both for the "child within" and - by extension - for children everywhere. I approach my work not as a politician, or as a social worker, but only as a mother, and an artist interested in drawing attention to children’s issues.
Adapted from "The Power of Art in Society," by Deborah Dague Barr, retrieved from: http://www.lafterhall.com/power_of_art.html
Art by Deborah Dague Barr:
QUESTIONS:
1. Do you agree with the author that "art can create empathy"?
2. Barr also writes: "art communicates on a much deeper level than the written word and can challenge and encourage critical thinking." What do you think about her claim? Do you agree with her or disagree? Why or why not?
**Blog Post #5 is due by Monday, October 24 before class**
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