“Carpe Diem, seize the day (boys), make your lives extraordinary.”
These potent words, delivered by Robin Williams in one of my most beloved films, Dead Poets Society, reflect the belief that creativity is a form of knowledge acquisition every bit as valuable as the hard sciences or mathematics.
I wish to espouse this concept, arguing that art is one of the most profound expressions of beauty in society. I hope to explore art on both a personal and societal level, examining its power to heal, inspire and create change.
Imagine a world stripped of art. A world deprived of painting, music, literature and dance. Once confronted with this image, one quickly realises how monotonous and sterile life would be without these simple, everyday pleasures. Art transcends the cruel realities of the world and offers a much-needed form of escapism for many.
Van Gogh did not become a painter simply because he lacked an ear for music. Rather, art became a form of solace. Plagued by epileptic episodes throughout his short life, he drew inspiration from the natural world and used painting as a means of making sense of his experiences. Painting was his medicine; a way of preserving his sanity amidst suffering.
While Van Gogh’s experience demonstrates the power of artistic expression on an individual level, modern research suggests these benefits extend far beyond the lives of artists themselves. Today, more accessible forms of creativity, such as crafts and colouring books, can similarly alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. Moreover, art therapy has been shown to reduce chronic pain and improve wellbeing in a range of patient groups, whilst studies involving people living with Alzheimer’s disease have found that creative interventions can enhance wellbeing, communication and cognitive engagement. Through art, individuals are often able to express thoughts and emotions that may otherwise be difficult to articulate.
Through art, we gain a window into the human psyche, allowing us to better understand, empathise with and connect with one another. All it takes is one piece of art to make a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Whatever form it takes, the role that the arts play in increasing wellbeing, satisfaction and happiness should never be underestimated.
On a broader level, art functions as the conscience of society: expanding emotional horizons and forging new avenues for expression. It acts as a vehicle for social and cultural change, shaping opinions, instilling values and translating lived experiences into something that can be understood by others. Art is, at its core, an act of communication and compassion.
Distinctly sociopolitical art covers a vast spectrum of issues and injustices on human rights, the environment, democracy and much more. Consider the rainbow, a symbol that united a nation. In solidarity with key health care workers, drawings of rainbows which read “thank you NHS” displayed in windows across the UK showed appreciation for those who tirelessly laboured on the front line during COVID 19. Equally powerful, the raised fist. A global emblem of fighting against oppression since the 1960s. It re-emerged prominently during Black Lives Matter protests following the death of George Floyd, translating grief and outrage into a universally recognised symbol of unity and defiance. In both cases, art transformed emotion into a visual language understood across communities, cultures, and borders.
Art offers freedom of expression and encourages us to engage with perspectives different from our own. It challenges us to think critically, to feel deeply, and to recognise our shared humanity.
Ultimately, art creates. It moulds the world and those who inhabit it; it does not simply inherit society, it helps to reshape it. Through art we preserve our history, express our emotions, challenge injustice, and imagine a better future. In Dead Poets Society, John Keating reminds us that medicine, law, business, and engineering are noble pursuits that sustain life, but poetry, beauty, romance, and love are what we stay alive for. Art is the thread that binds these together. It speaks to the deepest parts of our humanity, reminding us not merely how to live, but why. Art will always be a necessity for both the individual and society. And for as long as we seek meaning, connection and hope, art will always matter.