ArtTour International Magazine
Can Collecting Art Save The World?
The contribution of art to ancient and contemporary civilizations is evident. Through time, art has served many functions, from documenting history and world events to the creative expression of ideologies and scientific discoveries, such as medicine.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and ancient civilizations knew this. From cave dwellers to the sophisticated Egyptian scribes and advanced Mayans, people from many cultures worldwide have used art to immortalize their legacy and enlighten future generations. Artists have been invaluable to society from the very beginning of times, contributing to human evolution in many ways, from prehistoric cave paintings, masterful frescos, scientific drawings, architectural designs, and engineering plans.
Throughout history, artists have had many different roles, but their primary purpose has always been to create art that reflects their surroundings and the world they see with their eyes, hearts, and minds.
The artist’s role in society has expanded through time. Nowadays, they are change-makers whose messages can transform minds and opinions and influence the masses.
Art and The Global Economy
Art is a profitable industry. Not only does it satisfy the human need for self-expression, but it also creates employment for many around the globe. Research shows that art has a huge presence across economic sectors, from leisure, hospitality, entertainment, and recreation to design, manufacturing, and professional and business services. Artists have contributed to the creative economy, sustaining jobs and stimulating economic growth by devoting themselves to their craft.
Benefits Of Creating Art
The benefits of art go beyond the continuously growing art industry, as it positively impacts individuals, nations, and local and global communities.
Art has the power to raise awareness and instill values. In addition, it’s an essential tool for cultural exchange because music, literature, poetry, video, photography, painting, and other media expose people to different cultures and different times in history.
Art is also good for the health of the body and mind. The influence of sound and imagery on the human psyche is the subject of much research. Both are used in many hospitals and clinics to help patients relax and to ease pain and anxiety. Many healing techniques use the qualities of music and images as nonverbal media for communication.
Art In The New Era
As the world moves on, artists are opening the doors of the new era. They have a sensibility to see, feel, and envision what this new world will look like. They know what we need to do to enter it and what steps we must take to open the doors once and for all.
Art creators show us, with their works and even their creative process, what our world needs. Photographers are capturing images calling for world peace; painters are creating surrealistic depictions of a new world; activists are advocating for justice and equality through their art; sculptors are working with recycling materials to support Mother Earth. These are all the voices of a universal consciousness guiding us to the new world we all hope for.
Do Artists Need Collectors?
In the past, people in positions of power, like kings and queens, paid all types of visual artists to adorn their cities, castles, churches, and other essential buildings. For painters and sculptors, their patrons guaranteed their financial security. During the Italian Renaissance, the wealthy housed artists in their estates, funding some for many years.
Patronage offered artists notability and recognition. Some artists worked exclusively for their patrons, while others were commissioned as their work gained fame.
Nowadays, artists find themselves in a different world, and many rely on collectors to support their work. Therefore, the role of patrons and collectors is vital for their careers to advance. The artist creates; the collector expands.
Collectors recognize what artists bring to local and international communities. Their investment helps artists continue their work, build their reputation, and allow them to evolve and create even more value.
As the artist's role continues to grow and develop, thereís is a need for a more extensive network of people who understand the importance of supporting the arts.
Artists use all human experience, heartbreak, pain, loss, joy, and bliss to create something new that has the power to change the world. An artwork can become an instrument of healing while connecting people to a new understanding of acceptance and personal responsibility. And that is the purpose of bringing art into reality.
For every artist creating art to help us bring forth a better world, there needs to be a community of patrons who are taking a stand to help expand their message and to support their work.
When confronted with this reality, one can only wish to support the artists, change-makers, beauty-exposers, justice-advocates, and visionaries creating art. Yes, I believe that collecting art might save the world! What do you think? Take a stand today and choose your favorite artist in this issue. Email us at admin@arttourinternational.com and let us know how you would like to get involved and support their art.