MIUSE: ISSUE 1

Author: Myriah Spidalieri
Page 172
It is hard to imagine how we will be remembered
throughout history. This point in time is sure to be a
topic of conversation, and it is impossible to ignore
the future implications of the global pandemic that has
darkened this year. When we look back to the past
for answers, we often ignore the complex journey
that humanity has faced at different moments in our
existence and, instead, jump to the points of our own
inquisitions. Although we are capable of critical thought
when it comes to the world around us, we tend to
forget the importance of context in our everyday lives.
However, in times of trouble, we are often forced into a
change of pace that immediately alters our perception
of life as we know it. Given the opportunity to slow
down, things that we typically view as essential fade
into the background, and more foundational principles
are allowed into the light. What we lose as a result of
global crisis should not always outweigh one crucial
thing we often gain: an insight into the importance
of the “unimportant” world around us. So, where do
we turn when the world falls apart? Where do we run
when we crave escape? What helps us remember
how we felt at every moment through our long and
troubled history? Only artists know the answer.
Up until the breaking point, we listen to the world
when it tells us to focus on money, influence, and
success above all. It’s hard to break our focus when
everyone around us says to stay our course. But in times
of global crisis, when we are forced out of our routines,
we cannot help but lean on the lighthearted mediums
that are so often branded as “useless,” “unimportant,”
or “insignificant” by the controlling facets of society.
But art, as an institution, exists as a lens of expression
that often leads to great understanding – an effect that
is crucial in times of struggle. Amidst the backdrop
of global crisis, the fabric of society is compiled of
creatives who work to translate society into a readable,
accessible, and emotional vessel. Through them, we
find ourselves in words, videos, photos, and fashion.
Through creatives, we connect more deeply to the
world around us. We process our emotions through the
perceptions of others, and find our own outlook in the
process. Art inspires and motivates; art connects us at
the cores of our existence. At the brink of global tragedy,
art reminds us that when passion is allowed to flourish,
we can reach beyond convention and into the social
consciousness. When we look back at history through
the artist’s lens, we feel the event in tandem. How
long, then, would it take for us to feel for each other?
Art carries significant moments forward and solidifies
their impact in our understanding of the world. How
often do we remember historic details through the art
associated with them? How often do we remember
the cultural impact of history before the actual event
itself? Perhaps, when we look back on these times
filled with fear, uncertainty, and distress, we will refer
to art as a cultural coordinate to help us understand
the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that we once lived
through together. This is not a revolutionary practice,
but we, as humans, tend to forget the impact of
creation in our everyday lives. Yet, art’s influence lives
on around us, and we recognize its inherent importance
when we associate it with significant societal moments.
Outstanding events throughout history are intrinsically
linked to song, dance, words, and images that all
signal us back to the emotions felt by humanity during
these times. As early as cave drawings, humans have
influenced society with art, while also revealing important
truths about life, culture, and people at specific points
in time. Leonardo da Vinci revolutionized the study of
human science with his anatomical sketches, but it is
not difficult for us to infer how controversial his work
must have been at that moment in history. To expose
the intricacies of the human body before the eyes
of laymen encouraged an emotional response from
supporters and adversaries alike. But it was through
these emotions that people were educated, and a
change of perspective was fostered in the process. In
this way, art represents an accessible way for humanity
to digest complex ideas, and we look to art to
understand the people, society, and ideals of its time.
Only then, when we have understood the emotional
perspective of events, movements, and paradigms,
can we effectively dedicate our passion to any cause.
We will undoubtedly mark our own era of history
with the rise of political revolution, but it is our creative
response that will be remembered. At the very least,
the passion that art inspires promotes a sense of
understanding that encourages us to stand behind
movements, events, and people that encourage
this passion within us. Through art, we make sense
of our existence and find our purpose through
emotion. It will be impossible for us to separate our
existence from the art that compiles it. In our future,
we will remember feminist slogans, hashtags, and
protest signs; we will remember fashion statements
on either side of these movements; and we will
remember our own, individual contributions to them.
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