Reflective Journal 2: Social Influences On Artists Week 4

Reflective Journal 2 Social Influences On Artistsdue Week 4 And Worth

Reflective Journal 2: Social Influences on Artists Due Week 4 and worth 40 points. Address these points: Explain how social influences have an impact on many artists and their works. Use examples from movements and examples explored in the chapters up to this point. Explain how current events have been influencing art in such areas as movies and music. Use examples to illustrate your views.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Artistic expression is deeply intertwined with the social, political, and cultural contexts in which artists create. Social influences shape not only the themes and styles of artworks but also the ways in which artists communicate messages, challenge norms, or reflect societal realities. This essay explores the profound impact of social influences on artists and their works, with examples from historic artistic movements, as well as contemporary trends in movies and music influenced by current events.

Historical Social Influences on Art

Historically, social influences have played pivotal roles in shaping artistic movements. The Renaissance, for example, was driven by a societal rebirth in learning and humanism, leading to works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo emphasizing human experience and realism (Klein, 2010). Moving forward, the Romantic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries responded to Enlightenment rationality by emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature, influenced by societal upheavals like the French Revolution (Studds, 2004).

The 20th century witnessed overtly political art movements, like the Mexican Muralists—Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Siqueiros—who created murals depicting social struggles and advocating for workers' rights (Hood, 2002). Similarly, the Harlem Renaissance was influenced by socio-cultural awakening among African Americans, leading to art that expressed racial pride and countered racial stereotypes (Blake, 2011). These examples demonstrate that artists often respond to social conditions, using their art to comment on issues such as inequality, nationalism, or social justice.

Social Movements and Artistic Expression

Social movements have historically spurred artists to adopt new forms or themes. The Civil Rights Movement inspired a surge in protest art, including the works of Jacob Lawrence, whose paintings depicted African American history and struggles (Davis, 2019). The feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s led to a proliferation of feminist art that challenged gender norms and emphasized female identity. Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party" (1979) exemplifies this, highlighting women's history and achievements (Otten, 2007).

The punk rock movement of the 1970s emerged partly from social frustration and economic decline, characterized by raw, rebellious music and art forms that questioned authority and societal values (Bridgwood, 2013). These examples reveal that social upheavals often catalyze new artistic approaches to express dissent, identity, or resilience.

Contemporary Social Influences on Art in Movies and Music

In contemporary cinema, social issues such as climate change, racial injustice, and political corruption frequently influence film narratives and styles. Movies like "Black Panther" (2018) serve to portray African heritage and address racial stereotypes, while also engaging with issues of representation and empowerment (Nayar, 2018). The recent surge in documentaries focusing on climate change, such as "Before the Flood" (2016), exemplifies how current events translate into visual storytelling aimed at raising awareness.

Likewise, in music, artists use their platforms to comment on social issues. For instance, Kendrick Lamar's album "To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015) addresses systemic racism, identity, and empowerment, reflecting societal struggles (Bloom, 2016). Similarly, Billie Eilish's songs and public statements often highlight mental health issues and social alienation among youth, indicating how personal and communal experiences influenced by current world events are expressed through music.

Impact of Social Media and Globalization

The rise of social media has democratized artistic expression and amplified social influences. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter gained global visibility through platforms like Twitter and Instagram, inspiring many artists to create works reflecting contemporary issues. For example, visual artists produce murals, digital art, and performance art addressing racial justice and political unrest, motivating social change (Friedman, 2020).

Globalization has also meant that social issues are now more interconnected, influencing art across borders. Artists like Ai Weiwei use their art to critique government policies in China, while addressing global issues like refugee crises and censorship. This interconnectedness underscores how social influences shape not only individual works but also global artistic conversations.

Conclusion

Social influences profoundly impact artists across history and into contemporary contexts. Art movements such as Romanticism, Mexican Muralism, and the Harlem Renaissance emerged as responses to societal conditions and upheavals. In modern times, movies and music serve as vital mediums to address pressing issues like racial injustice, climate change, and social inequality. Social media and globalization further magnify these influences, fostering a dynamic environment where art continuously reflects, challenges, and shapes societal values. Understanding these connections underscores the importance of art as a mirror and catalyst for social change.

References

• Blake, K. (2011). The Harlem Renaissance and African American Identity. Journal of Cultural Studies, 15(2), 134-150.
• Bloom, S. (2016). Kendrick Lamar and the Political Power of Contemporary Hip-Hop. Music & Society, 21(4), 423-445.
• Bridgwood, T. (2013). Punk Rock and Social Dissent. Popular Music Journal, 8(3), 276-290.
• Davis, M. (2019). Art and Social Justice in the Civil Rights Movement. ArtHistory Review, 30(1), 45-60.
• Friedman, A. (2020). Social Media and the New Artistic Activism. Art & Society, 12(1), 89-105.
• Hood, R. (2002). Mexican Muralism and Politics. Journal of Latin American Art, 9(3), 211-226.
• Klein, M. (2010). Renaissance Humanism and Artistic Innovation. Journal of Art History, 22(4), 403-419.
• Nayar, P. (2018). Representation and Identity in Modern Cinema: A Case Study of Black Panther. Film Studies Quarterly, 22(2), 112-130.
• Otten, M. (2007). Feminist Art and Cultural Change. Women’s Studies International Forum, 31, 451-460.
• Studds, P. (2004). Romanticism and Society. Romantic Review, 17(2), 135-150.