Art as a Timeline
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| Image: Black Lives Matter Street Art in Palo Alto, California; Source: @RepAnnaEshoo on Twitter |
Throughout history, art and culture have always gone hand-in-hand. A popular example of this would be the fashion of the 1920's, with the flapper being a symbol of female liberation; it was a direct connection to the passage of the 19th amendment. Oftentimes, people use art as a way to comment on current events, whether to create conversation or just to vent emotion. The way people use and interact with art changes depending on the social norms of the time.
The first time I noticed this trend was when I took a fashion class in high school. One of the first assignments we had was to pick a decade within the last century and link the political and cultural movements of that time to that decade’s fashion trends. Everyone had to pick different decades, and then we worked together to create a complete timeline. The decade I had picked was the 1930’s, in which everything tied back to the great depression. Everyday clothes became plain and minimalistic to spare money. However, this period was also the rise of Hollywood glamour; people looked to those luxuries as an escape from the realities they were facing.
That same year, my history teacher would have us analyze political cartoons every unit. We spent weeks covering the importance of the jazz movement and post World War I literature. Art is a commentary on our way of life. It reveals the suffering that people face, even when everything might seem alright. It can bring about hope in times of despair.
Currently, we face a multitude of problems as a society. We have a pandemic making it hard to connect with others, and the country is once again having to face the racial injustice that permeates it. The art that comes out of this time will reflect these issues. Art has become a way for people to connect, even when far away; it has become something that can be shared remotely and a way to express support for those in need. Art has also become an outlet for anger and grief for those in pain. A few months ago, communities came together to paint street art for the Black Lives Matter movement. As Mya Abraham points out in her article, “How Black Lives Matter Is Penetrating Pop Culture,” many TV shows have become platforms for the movement. Movies and shows are bringing attention to how common racial injustice really is.
Just like in previous decades, the art from today will portray the state of the nation. It will depict the ongoing turmoil and conflict, the anger and frustration, and, hopefully, the coming together of communities to find a solution.
Melanie, I think your post does a great job highlighting the clear connections between the culture and artwork of a time period. At the moment the racial injustice our country faces has divided people during a time where we should be coming together. Art is a way for everyone to connect and share as it acts as an outlet for these feelings of pain and grief you present in your writing. I think the street art you reference is a perfect example of a modern piece as it supports the idea of people uniting against these cultural issues.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I think you did an amazing job making connections with the current cultures and artworks. As we all know racial injustice is one of the largest problems our country has faced and it divides everyone in a time when we should not be divided but united. Art is the best way to get people reunite and share their ideas during a time of pain and grief. The street art is a great reference to what modern art should be and it makes people want to unite against cultural issues.
ReplyDeleteCulture is borne from necessity, whether it be rationing during World War II or snapchat pictures in masks during a pandemic. So, what makes it necessary to come together? It is said that a common enemy is the best way to unite people, and no where is that better illustrated than in wartime. A movement such as Black Lives Matter or Women's Sufferage or... take your pick, really... serve to unite distinct sides, too. The difference is, both sides exist right here in America. Two groups are uniting to fight a civil war, right here; Black Lives Matter is tearing us apart. We were already torn down partisan lines from the get-go, however, so I suppose that's an issue of little concern.
ReplyDeleteI found your post very well-written, but as I always do, I have played devil's advocate and provided a counterpoint. Thank you for the food for thought.