Artists: Role and Significance

Introduction:

Art is a broad concept encompassing a diverse range of human activities aimed at creating visual, auditory, or performance works to express ideas and emotions or to appreciate beauty. This field includes several areas such as:

• Drawing: From traditional to digital art, drawing is one of the oldest and most popular forms of art.
• Sculpture: The art of shaping three-dimensional forms from various materials like stone, wood, and metal.
• Music: The creation and composition of melodies and sounds.
• Dance: Expressing ideas and emotions through movement.
• Literature: Writing stories, poems, and plays.
• Cinema: The art of storytelling through moving images and sound.
• Architecture: Designing and constructing buildings and structures.

Artists are individuals who practice and create art, whether as professionals or amateurs. They may specialize in one or more artistic fields, but what distinguishes an artist includes:

• Creativity: The ability to generate original and innovative ideas.
• Talent: A natural ability to express oneself through art.
• Knowledge: Understanding various artistic styles and techniques.
• Passion: A deep love for art and a strong desire to express it.

Interpretations of art vary by culture and individual perspective, and there are numerous art subgenres such as abstract art, surrealism, realism, and others. Art continuously evolves, with new forms emerging every day.

Definitions:

In contemporary science, there is no fixed definition of an artist, as the concept of art itself is continually evolving and influenced by social, cultural, and technological changes. Nonetheless, some shared characteristics can be identified among modern artists:

1. Creative Explorer: The contemporary artist is someone constantly seeking new ways to express themselves and the world around them, unrestricted by traditional art forms, using any available tools or materials.
2. Critical Analyst: Modern artists don’t limit themselves to presenting beauty; they also aim to pose questions and analyze social, political, and cultural issues.
3. Community Engager: Contemporary art is often interactive, encouraging the audience to participate in the artistic experience and express their opinions.
4. Technology Adopter: Technology plays a significant role in contemporary art, with artists using computer programs, virtual reality, 3D printing, and other technologies to create innovative artworks.

In summary, the contemporary artist is an innovator, creating unique and original works; a critic, analyzing society and culture; an engager, fostering audience interaction; and an explorer, embracing new technologies.

The complexity of defining an “artist” stems from the evolution of society itself. As societies evolve, so does art, mirroring these changes. Technology, for instance, now provides new tools for artists to express themselves.

The concept of art has broadened beyond traditional forms like painting, sculpture, and music to include various fields like design, performance, digital art, and more. Throughout history, philosophers have shown a deep interest in defining the artist. Each philosopher has attempted a unique definition based on their worldview, though they share a common understanding that an “artist” is more than just a creator of art pieces; they possess complex traits that set them apart.

Key Philosophical Aspects in Defining the Artist:

1. Creator and Innovator: The artist is seen as a creator of new worlds, not merely replicating reality but reshaping it and introducing new forms of life.
2. Revealer of Truth: Some philosophers view art as a medium to uncover hidden truths, with the artist as someone who reveals the depths of human nature and the essence of existence.
3. Expressor of Emotions: Art is regarded as a universal language of emotions, enabling expression beyond words, and the artist is the one fluent in this language.
4. Influencer of Society: Beyond mere creativity, the artist also plays a role in societal influence, reshaping ideas and values as noted in earlier traits.
5. Independent Free Spirit: Some see the artist as an independent, free-thinking individual, unrestrained by authority, always striving to express their unique vision of the world without hesitation.

From here, we see Aristotle considering art as an imitation of nature, where the artist idealizes nature in their work. In contrast, Immanuel Kant viewed art as the product of free will, with the artist using imagination to reflect the world’s beauty. Friedrich Nietzsche believed art serves to reaffirm life and values, positioning the artist as a creator of new values and a challenger of traditional norms.

Defining the “artist” is a complex endeavor; an artist is a multifaceted personality that interacts uniquely and innovatively with the world. The concept of defining the artist and their societal role has long been a significant philosophical topic. Islamic philosophy, in particular, offers a profound perspective on this concept. In ancient Islamic thought, the artist was often understood as:

1. The Artist and the Artisan: Islamic philosophy often regarded the artist as a highly skilled craftsman focused on technical precision and artistry, with less emphasis on creativity and expression.
2. Art as Expression of Truth: Another view emphasized art as a medium to express cosmic truth and divine beauty, seeing the artist as one who unveils the universe’s mysteries and reflects the Creator’s beauty in their work.
3. Moral Boundaries: Islamic law imposed ethical limits on art, restricting certain images and forms deemed contrary to Sharia or likely to promote corruption.

As for the definition of the “artist” in contemporary Islamic philosophy:

• Expansion of Art’s Concept: In modern times, the concept of art has significantly broadened, encompassing new forms previously unknown. This shift has led to a reevaluation of the artist’s role and standing within society.
• Artist and Society: Contemporary Muslim philosophers believe the artist plays a crucial role in building society and shaping cultural identity. They view art as a vehicle to express Islamic values and principles, thereby fostering social cohesion.
• Modern Challenges: Contemporary Islamic philosophy faces challenges in addressing new artistic concepts, such as abstract and modern art, and in reconciling Islamic values with technological advancements in the arts.

The distinction between these perspectives lies in the following:

1. Focus on Technical vs. Creative Aspects: Traditional Islamic philosophy emphasized technical skill and craftsmanship, whereas modern philosophy values creativity and self-expression.
2. Moral Boundaries: Moral boundaries were more stringent in traditional philosophy, while they are relatively more flexible in contemporary views.
3. Role of the Artist in Society: In traditional philosophy, the artist’s role was more clearly defined, while in contemporary philosophy, the artist’s role is broader and more varied.

The concept of the “artist” in Islamic philosophy is dynamic and responsive to social and cultural changes. Despite the differences between traditional and contemporary perspectives, both agree that art is a medium for expressing self and humanity, with the artist playing an important role in societal development.

Potential Negative Aspects of the Role of Artists

While artists have long held a prominent position in society as creators of beauty and conveyors of ideas and emotions, their influence isn’t without potential downsides. Some possible negative effects of the artist’s role include:

1. Spreading Negative Ideas: Certain artists might use their talent to promote ideas that oppose ethical or religious values, which can have a harmful impact, especially on youth.
2. Encouraging Unethical Behaviors: Art that portrays unethical behaviors attractively may encourage imitation by viewers.
3. Inciting Violence and Hatred: Some artists might create works that incite violence or foster hatred among different social groups.
4. Manipulating Audience Emotions: Popular artists may exploit their influence to manipulate audience emotions for personal gain.
5. Isolation from Reality: Artists may sometimes detach from everyday realities, creating imaginary worlds that feel disconnected from real societal issues.
6. Negative Influence on Youth: Art that focuses on themes of violence, sexuality, or substance abuse can negatively influence youth behaviors and attitudes.
7. Self-Aggrandizement: Artistic success might lead some artists to develop inflated egos, which can affect their relationships with others.
8. Neglecting Social Responsibility: Some artists focus solely on the commercial aspects of art, neglecting their role in serving society and raising awareness.

This nuanced view reflects the importance of understanding both the powerful contributions and potential risks associated with the influence artists have on culture and society.

The causes of these negative aspects stem from several key factors:

1. Abuse of Artistic Freedom: The unrestricted freedom that artists enjoy can sometimes be misused to promote harmful or offensive ideas. When artists have no boundaries in their work, some may use their platform to spread negativity.
2. Social and Political Influences: Artists are deeply affected by the social and political conditions in which they live. In times of distress or turmoil, artists may create works that reflect these negative circumstances, which can further exacerbate societal issues.
3. Greed for Fame and Money: The desire for commercial success can lead some artists to produce work that lacks artistic value, focusing instead on mass appeal. This often results in shallow, market-driven art that does not engage with deeper societal or cultural issues.
4. Lack of Professional Ethics: Some artists may exploit their talents for personal gain, ignoring the responsibility they have to society and the potential impact their art can have on others.

While these negatives are important to acknowledge, it is crucial to understand that they are not inherent to all artists. Many use their platform to drive positive change and contribute constructively to society. Artists can play a transformative role in shaping the cultural and social landscape.

Positive Aspects of the Artist’s Role:

Artists play a vital role in shaping and evolving societies. Through their creations, they mirror reality, explore beauty, stimulate thought, enrich dialogue, and propose new visions for the future.

Key Positive Aspects of the Artist’s Role in Society:

1. Reflecting Reality and Highlighting Issues:
   • Revealing the Truth: Artists use their craft as a mirror, reflecting the reality of society with all its facets, whether positive or negative. This helps the community better understand itself.
   • Educating Society: Art plays a crucial role in raising awareness about social, political, and economic issues. It fosters dialogue and encourages discussions about these critical matters.
   • Breaking Barriers: Artists break cultural and religious barriers through their work, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse groups.
2. Inspiration and Creativity:
   • Stimulating Imagination: Art sparks creativity and imagination, helping individuals develop new skills and ideas.
   • Expanding Horizons: Art encourages people to think differently, explore new perspectives, and delve deeper into both their inner selves and the world around them.
   • Enhancing Artistic Taste: Exposure to art refines individuals’ taste, making them more capable of appreciating beauty in various forms.
3. Expression of the Self:
   • Platform for Expression: Art provides a platform for individuals to express their emotions and thoughts in diverse ways, allowing them to gain a better understanding of themselves.
   • Connecting with Others: Art helps build bridges between people, fostering connection and closeness despite distances or differences.
   • Overcoming Challenges: Art can be a way to express personal struggles and challenges, offering individuals an outlet for coping and healing.
4. Cultural Heritage:
   • Preserving Heritage: Art plays an essential role in preserving the cultural heritage of communities, ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
   • Building Identity: Through art, communities strengthen their cultural identity and foster a sense of belonging.
   • Attracting Tourism: Rich artistic heritage often draws tourists, contributing to the local economy.
5. Social and Political Influence:
   • Social Change: Art can be a powerful catalyst for social change, shedding light on injustice and corruption, and inspiring individuals to demand their rights.
   • Political Impact: Artists influence public opinion, shaping people’s views on political matters through their work.

In short, artists play a crucial role in shaping and developing societies. Through their creativity, they enrich our lives, expand our horizons, and inspire us to think and change.

Artists around the world face a range of challenges that hinder their creative careers and prevent them from achieving their goals. For Syrian artists, these challenges are exacerbated by the difficult political and economic conditions in the country.

Here are some common difficulties and challenges faced by artists:

1. Professional Recognition: Artists often struggle to gain appropriate professional recognition, which impacts their ability to secure a stable income.
2. Marketing and Promotion: Promoting and marketing artwork is a difficult and costly endeavor, especially for independent artists.
3. Funding: Obtaining sufficient funding for artistic projects is a major challenge. Many artists rely on personal funding or small grants.
4. Criticism: Artists are frequently subject to criticism, both from art critics and the general public, which can affect their self-confidence and creativity.
5. Competition: The art world is highly competitive, making it challenging for artists to stand out and gain visibility.

In addition to the general challenges, Syrian artists face additional difficulties due to the ongoing crisis in the country:

1. Economic Crisis: The economic crisis in Syria has led to the deterioration of living conditions for artists, forcing many of them to abandon art and search for other sources of income.
2. Displacement and Refuge: Many Syrian artists have been forced to flee or seek refuge in other countries, severing their connection to their creative environment and affecting their artistic production.
3. Destruction and Infrastructure: Many art galleries and cultural centers in Syria have been destroyed, reducing opportunities to display artworks and interact with the public.
4. Censorship: Artistic works in Syria are subject to government censorship by the authorities, limiting freedom of expression and creativity.
5. Difficulty Accessing Materials: Syrian artists face difficulty obtaining the necessary materials to produce their works due to blockades and sanctions.

In our view, these challenges can be overcome through increased government support, including providing grants, artistic competitions, and establishing art exhibitions and cultural centers. This, however, is dependent on Syria transitioning to a new political system.

Syrian artists can also benefit from international cooperation, participating in global art exhibitions and conferences. Moreover, leveraging digital technology to showcase their works and communicate with the public can open new opportunities. Establishing associations and organizations to support each other and organize artistic events is another potential avenue. Additionally, enhancing their skills in marketing and promoting their art can help increase visibility.

Thus, while Syrian artists face significant challenges, they possess a strong will and unparalleled creativity. With collective effort and ongoing support, they can overcome these difficulties and contribute to enriching both the national and global art scenes.

Conclusion:

Based on the previous discussion, we can establish a foundation for understanding the reality and attempting to reform it. Thus, we consider the following recommendations as steps towards empowering the role of artists in Syria and utilizing their creativity to build a more innovative and tolerant society:

At the Political Level:

• Provide a safe and conducive environment for artistic creativity by protecting freedom of expression and offering legal protection for artists.
• Support cultural institutions and art centers by allocating necessary budgets for the development of cultural infrastructure.
• Encourage cultural exchange with other countries, facilitating the participation of Syrian artists in international events and conferences.
• Integrate art into public policies and use artists’ creativity in awareness and social change campaigns.

At the Societal Level:

• Support artistic associations and cultural initiatives that empower artists.
• Work on expanding the art audience by encouraging people to visit art exhibitions and participate in cultural events.
• Build partnerships between the public, private sectors, and civil society to support artistic projects.
• Raise awareness about the importance of art and its role in society.

At the Cultural Level:

• Develop art education in schools and universities, encouraging students to engage in various forms of art.
• Create platforms for showcasing artworks, such as exhibitions and art festivals.
• Develop art criticism and encourage dialogue about art.
• Preserve Syrian cultural heritage and encourage artists to draw inspiration from it.

By addressing these levels, we can foster an environment where artists thrive, thus enriching Syrian culture and contributing to global artistic discussions.

We emphasize the need to utilize digital technology to display artworks and communicate with the public, making art more accessible. Additionally, it is crucial to provide the necessary support to emerging artists and encourage them to develop their talents. This is part of what we plan for in the Syrian Future Movement, with a focus on promoting community-based art that serves society and addresses social issues.

We believe that by implementing these recommendations, Syria can harness the potential of its artists and turn its challenges into opportunities for a better future. However, these recommendations are just suggestions, which can be further developed and adapted to fit local circumstances. Thus, we view this article as a stone in stagnant water, requiring more engagement and discussion to achieve the goal of empowering the positive role of artists in Syria, a key objective of the Syrian Future Movement.

Presidency office
Dr. Zaher Ihssan Baadarani
Article
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)