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Often have I been walking around a gallery and heard the phrase ‘I feel like I’m missing something’ as people look at the splats of paint of Pollock, or the at the skill of a Rembrant. Many people believe that art today is only worthwhile if its message or subject matter is immediately obvious to the viewer, however this, in my opinion, is not the case. Today, western art seems to be following in the footsteps of mass media, as each artist attempts to create something different, engaging and sellable. However this does not give it any less meaning, unlike some art critics like to say, nor does it devalue modern art. Art is something people go to, when looking for meaning; a place outside of ourselves and our everyday concerns. It cannot be defined by whom it has impacted, or measured by the skill level the artist in question possesses. However it may be able to be measured by the potential impact to could have on the world as a whole.

 

It can be difficult to look at the series of photographs and paintings by German artist Anselm Kiefer entitled ‘Heroic Symbols’. These artworks feature the artist himself giving the Sieg Heil salute; one of the main symbols of Nazi Germany and representative of the atrocities committed during the Second World War. Kiefer is known to have wished for these paintings to remain inside Germany, instead of being sold individually or to a private collection. It is artworks like this which I feel back up my own personal belief that art, especially art that has been made with the intention of conveying a political or social message, should be seen, when possible, by those whom it is most likely to impact. 

 

In 1937, Pablo Picasso painted ‘Guernica’, which is arguably one of the most powerful images protesting war and violence in the last century. The painting, initially inspired by the bombing of the ancient Basque town, and the obliteration of its 5,000 inhabitants during the Spanish civil war. A reproduction of this iconic image was hung at the entrance of the Security Council in the United Nations, New York. However Gurnica’s real potential was not felt here, as when Colin Powell came to the UN in 2003 to argue the case for war in Iraq, Guernica was covered by a blue curtain. The idea that this, or indeed any piece of art, could have the possibility to impact the thoughts and beliefs of those who make or influence the decisions that shape the futures of millions of people, is incredibly powerful. In 1956 Picasso himself stated that Guernica would ‘do the most good in America’, and although, possibly the greatest opportunity may have been missed, the hope that Art has the potential to shape and change our world still lives on today.

 

Looking at a piece and having the opinion that it is not ‘real art’ because it has not affected us, is rather self obsessed. As proved by Gurnica’s missed potential, an individual does not have to see a painting or even set foot in a gallery for art to have a huge impact on their lives.