You are Not Alone
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things but their inward significance
Aristotle
As Oscar Wilde said, the artist looks at things not as they appear to be but as they are. Greatness in art is giving a unique perspective. Each of us is an artist because to appreciate the works of art. One needs the innate capability to be artistic. Artists have that skill of looking at things with a different perspective and giving form to them, be it a painting, poetry, or reciting it. Picasso attributes the purpose of art as washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Artist’s work reflects his brain and heart. To nourish the skills and artist, freedom of expression is at the core. That is where accepting diversity, different perspectives become essential. The world remembers artists and people who have contributed to the societies’ wellbeing more than those who were wealthy. At the time of distress or worry, listening to a song you like or looking at a painting brings in that composure. Artists are the lucky ones in the world as they possess the skills that others thrive on gaining. Art comes in different forms; some are Architecture, Painting, Sculpting, Music, Literature, and Dance. In recent times, cinema has become an effective form of expression. With the advent of the internet and computer technologies, a platform of expression through visual arts has started dominating. The tools are becoming available, but still, the artistic instinct is what makes one stand out.
World Art Day is celebrated every year on April 15, in honour of Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. It was the International Association of Art initiative, a partner of UNESCO and is celebrated since 2012 and has become a UNESCO observance day since 2019. This year, too, Los Angeles’s city will lead the charge in hosting World Art Day festivities in the US.
Bringing people together, inspiring, soothing, and sharing: these are the powers of art, the importance of which has been made emphatically obvious during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. With hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.
Audrey Azoulay
Director-General, UNESCO
It is necessary to reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of creative expressions, and highlight artists’ contribution to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to emphasise the need for nurturing arts education in schools, as culture would lead to inclusive and equitable education.
Indian has a rich tradition of supporting arts and encouraged artists. The creation of great temples with astounding architecture reflects the importance it was given in the past. In the name of modernity, societies are moving away from appreciating the traditional forms of arts. Being in congruence with nature and enjoy the artistic mastery of mother nature is the need of the hour. Ensuring inclusive and sustainable development is the goal set by societies. Art plays a role in ensuring sustainability. “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on,” said Albert Einstein. We all are gifted with some form of art and creativity. There is a need to explore. Thinking about art would not result in the creation of art.
As we mark World Art Day amidst a global pandemic, join me in thanking artists around the world for continuing to be a source of inspiration, solace, and connection.
Antonia Gurterras
Secretary General, UN
Celebrating “World Art Day” assumes greater significance when the world is struggling to cope with the COVID pandemic, as it helps one cope with stress and living in isolation.
As Reema depicts, without art earth is only eh.
In times of crisis, we need culture and artists more than ever.
Toons: Reema Jaiswal
Logs: Sai Baba
