That’s a vague title for this post, I know.  The truth is, art matters for more reasons than I could ever attempt to capture in a single post.  So let me start with just one.

One of the reason art matters is because of its ability to take us places.  Or to invite us – no disrupt us (often regardless of whether we want to be or not) into places and spaces that the majority of us would probably never otherwise explore.  Think about street artists like Banksy, Princess Hijab, or Shepard Fairey.  Or even pieces like Picasso’s Guernica - which opened the world’s eyes to the devastation of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s.

Art lands us smack dab in the middle of paradox.  It angers us.  Soothes us.  Frustrates us.  Calms us.  Infuriates us.  Inspires us.  Pisses us off.  Sometimes all of that at once.  

And yet, it’s in the middle of those artful paradoxes that we are often given the most beautiful gift imaginable – the gift of fresh lenses…unique perspectives….new narratives that tell stories in ways that impact how we perceive….and ultimately engage the world around us.

Why does art matter to you?

Tags: Art, Bansky, Guernica, paradox, Picasso, Princess Hijab, Shepard Fairey, street art
Posted in Art |