Why do people create art? The value of art has been argued for a long time. Despite not being a physical need for survival, art is deeply embedded in today’s society; seen on every book, magazine, back alley, website and even on skin. In the past art was essential for communicating and passing on the stories of cultures with no written language. Art was also an integral and mystical component of the rituals and traditions of ancient civilisations. Andy Warhol said ‘An artist is somebody who produces things that people don’t need to have’, suggesting that art is not essential to human existence. But is this true? The purpose of art may have shifted over time but it has always been a constant and important presence in human society. Art has the power to bring about social change, to provide aesthetic experiences that improve the visual world and uplift the soul and to provide an outlet for the artist. Art can be used as a form of self-expression, to vent, or to channel emotions, with the process of making art acting as a healthy outlet. Some artworks are created purely for their aesthetic qualities, for the joy of bringing beauty into the world. Many artists present an issue or message in an innovative or confronting way. Artists aim to provoke the audience to think about this message in a desired way and hopefully inspire change. Andy Goldsworthy, Banksy and Chuck Close all satisfy different societal needs through the creation of their art and present diverse messages to their audiences. Abraham Maslow placed creativity at the top of the pyramid of his ‘hierarchy of needs’, with the complex elements that are... The rest of this article is available to subscribers of Eyeline
Banksy, Cave Painting, 2008. Image © Michael Greenwood.
