by: Heather Pilapil
Imagine a world where the stories of our past were lost, where culture had no lasting record, and where beauty and creativity ceased to inspire. This is what the world would look like without artists. Throughout history, artists have been the unsung heroes of society, preserving our culture, influencing change, and leaving behind legacies that shape how we understand our past—and our future.
Whether through ancient carvings, medieval manuscripts, or powerful modern paintings, artists have always played a vital role in documenting the human experience. Today, it’s more important than ever to recognize and value their contributions. Yet, in a society where art is often undervalued, we risk losing that essential connection to our history, culture, and even our future.
Egyptian Art – More Than Just Decoration, a Legacy Preserved
When we think of ancient Egypt (2000+ years ago), the first things that come to mind are the towering pyramids, majestic statues, and intricate tomb paintings. These weren’t just decorative; they were essential records of Egyptian life, beliefs, and values. The reason we know so much about this ancient civilization today is largely due to the art they left behind. These works didn’t only reflect beauty but also served as tools for religious ceremonies and as monuments to political power.
For example, tomb paintings served not only to honor the deceased but also to depict their journey to the afterlife. Without these visual stories, our understanding of Egyptian culture would be far more limited. From detailed depictions of daily life to grand architectural achievements, the art of ancient Egypt stands as an invaluable record of a civilization that continues to inspire thousands of years later.
The Dark Ages – A World Without Art, A Time Without Light
In contrast, we often refer to the European "Dark Ages" (500-1500AD) because there is very little artistic record from that time. This wasn’t because nothing of note happened, but because society had devalued art. With the decline of the Roman Empire came the neglect of artistic and architectural achievements. Artists were pushed to the margins of society, and without them, there were fewer cultural records left for future generations.
While things were certainly happening during the Dark Ages, the scarcity of artwork from this time leaves us with significant gaps in our understanding of that period. It was only with the Renaissance, when art was once again valued and nurtured, that the cultural and intellectual "light" returned to Europe. Art not only preserves history; it shapes it.
Illuminated Manuscripts – Art as Knowledge, Art as Power
Even in the Dark Ages, artists found ways to thrive in isolated pockets. In the monasteries of Ireland and England, artists and scribes created illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels. These were more than just religious texts—they were masterpieces of art and craftsmanship, decorated with intricate designs that symbolized knowledge and power.
Illuminated manuscripts were one of the few ways knowledge could be preserved and transmitted during this time. Artists weren’t just creating beautiful works; they were safeguarding knowledge for future generations. In a world where much was lost, these illuminated manuscripts became symbols of education and spiritual authority, proving that even in the darkest times, art could light the way.
Artists as Catalysts for Social Change
Throughout history, artists haven’t just documented the world around them—they’ve also influenced it. From Francisco Goya’s depictions of the horrors of war to Frida Kahlo’s personal and political statements in her self-portraits, artists have used their work to challenge societal norms and spark change.
Goya’s "The Third of May 1808" remains one of the most powerful anti-war paintings ever created, capturing the pain and suffering of civilians during the Napoleonic Wars. This wasn’t just a piece of art; it was a protest, a mirror held up to society to reflect the atrocities of conflict. In the same way, Frida Kahlo used her self-portraits to challenge traditional gender roles and to speak to the struggles of women and indigenous people in Mexico.
Artists like these don’t just create beauty—they challenge us to think, to question, and to change. Art is a powerful tool for social progress, and without it, many of the movements for justice and equality that have shaped our world might never have gained momentum.
Artists are the Storytellers of Our Time
As we look back through history, it becomes clear that artists are the storytellers of our time. They document the culture, values, and challenges of society, ensuring that future generations can learn from our experiences. Whether through the pyramids of Egypt, the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, or the powerful protest art of the modern era, artists play an irreplaceable role in shaping how we see ourselves and our world.
Yet today, artists are often undervalued and underpaid, despite their critical role in society.
As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: are we valuing the artists in our communities today? Their contributions define who we are and how we’ll be remembered. Support your local artists—because without them, the story of our time may be left untold.
Modern Struggles – The Price of Creativity
While artists have historically been undervalued, this issue is very much alive today. Many people assume that because a piece of art looks effortless, it must have been easy to create. But as every artist knows, behind every piece is a wealth of training, effort, and hours of painstaking work. Comments like "I could do that" or "Why is it so expensive?" can feel like daggers, especially when you consider the skills and time investment required to make each piece.
Unlike other professions, artists often find themselves having to justify their prices, processes, and even their right to be paid for their work. How many professionals—whether doctors, engineers, or even mechanics—are questioned about the cost of their services as often as artists are? Rarely do other industries face this level of scrutiny.
Art isn't just a product—it's a reflection of an artist's creativity, vision, and time. Just because someone doesn't understand the intricacies of the process doesn't mean the work is less valuable. Artists deserve to be respected for the expertise they bring to the table, and they shouldn’t constantly be put in the position of having to explain why their work is worth what it costs.
Artists Deserve Better
While artists have always been crucial to documenting, reflecting, and shaping society, they continue to face the challenge of being undervalued. The common refrain of "I could do that" dismisses the years of skill and dedication it takes to create a meaningful piece of art. The emotional labor, creative process, and technical expertise should not have to be explained at every turn—artists deserve respect and fair compensation for their work, just like any other professional.
The truth is, without art, the world loses not just beauty, but the stories of who we are. Art shapes the way we see our past and helps guide our future. It’s time society recognized that, without artists, we lose our storytellers, our visionaries, and our creators. Supporting artists isn’t just about appreciating a pretty picture; it’s about recognizing the hard work and history behind each piece.
If we continue to undervalue art, we risk losing the cultural depth that future generations will look back upon to understand who we were. So let’s ensure that the artists of today can continue their work, documenting our stories and leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Further Reading:
For those interested in learning more about the historical importance of art and its role in shaping society, check out these resources:
The Importance of Art History – ATX Fine Arts: This article dives into the role of art across different time periods, offering insights into how art reflects and shapes cultural heritage.
Commentaires