Why pain relief can be the purpose of art
I few days ago I was reading and reflecting for the nth time about the purpose of art. The recent controversy over my compatriot exhibiting exotic fruits on a wall — urged my reflection. Most of the concepts I come across were about why people should appreciate art: enjoy beauty in a private or public space, reflecting about an ethical point, chill out from stress -- among the many reasons art makes a difference in our lives, do we realize or not.
I few days ago I was reading and reflecting for the nth time about the purpose of art. The recent controversy over my compatriot exhibiting exotic fruits on a wall — urged my reflection. Most of the concepts I come across were about why people should appreciate art: enjoy beauty in a private or public space, reflecting about an ethical point, chill out from stress -- among the many reasons art makes a difference in our lives, do we realize or not.
A student of psychiatry, Emily Payton, told her own experience in a hospital, assisting patients terminally ill. Where drugs won't stop the sickness, surgeons could not do any better, science could ultimately do nothing — art proved being helpful. A young man put a note by his bed: “I like music. It makes me happy :)”
He's dying and there's still something that makes him happy. And it's not a material thing, it's not a new dope, definitely nothing practical. It is music, it's art, only created to give emotion. Something magically able to distract attention from a state of desperation. All of a sudden I realized that as an artist I create something way more powerful than I ever thought. It's not only about my ego to self express and shine. What I do has got the power of making people al little happier - regardless of my intention, which could be the selfiest possible.
A gentleman recently purchased my painting and contextually wrote me the story of his wife being seriously ill. I was happy for the sale but honestly thought - hasn't he got anything else to worry about but buying a watercolor? After reading Emily’s story, I thought he did the best thing he could do, beside taking care of his wife. I felt stupid and admired him.
There's no better time to surround ourselves with genuine art than difficult times. A painting that brings the living energy of another human, the artist, is the best cure to live a happier daily life! No matter how long we are going to be around!
May art contribute to make your new year the happiest so far!
