When times are tough, humans have a beautiful tendency to look for comfort in whatever is crumbling around us. Whether it be an economic downturn or a widespread tragedy, we find a way to connect and bring each other joy — because joy represents resilience. Oftentimes, we do this through art. Art has proven to be something that can’t be infringed upon, as it always persists no matter what. In times of hardship, to create is to provide a sense of comfort and community, even amid suffering. The paintings, poetry, sonnets, and songs put the complexities into a more beautiful form.
When examining this concept historically, it becomes clear that a crisis often leads to creation. From protest songs to activist art, it is evident that people create to bring awareness to bigger problems and social issues, but also as a form of relief from them. This is especially apparent in times of economic struggle, where the amount of art being made increases, and many believe the quality does too.
There are a few reasons the arts not only persist, but even flourish during hard times. For one, art in all its forms can provide a therapeutic sense of comfort and offer a brief escape from reality. Take music, for example: it could be a calming instrumental that eases the mind, or a fun pop song that leaves no choice but to smile. Maybe it’s a relaxing book or a poem that puts worries into words. When what’s going on in the world is dreadful to think about, these are the things we turn to. As well as appreciating the crafts of others, it is also relaxing to create art. Whether it be playing an instrument, writing, or painting, when we create to find calm or joy, it also becomes apparent that it matters less if the product is “good.” The experience of expressing yourself is what is truly important.
Another power that art can have is to offer a sense of community. During times of lost hope, people long for shared experiences, to know that someone else is going through the same thing, and to get through it together. Art can be formed by people coming together and can bring back a sense of optimism, especially when shared.
The most prominent reason that creativity becomes illuminated during times of hardship, though, is that it brings a sense of meaningfulness to life that we need. For example, when people are suffering economically, many long to create instead of consume. Material goods can become more obsolete if money is tight, but the intangible act of experiencing art offers more than “having.” When it seems so much can be taken from so many, we find that art is something no one can take. Whether it is being used to critique the conditions of the world or to escape from them by bringing joy, the art we make is worth more than anything purchasable.
When looking at any piece of art, it is seemingly always possible to see it as an artifact of its time. Everything happening in the world, whether positive or negative, influences the things people create. These past artifacts and the pieces of art currently being produced are what inspire us to continue creating, critiquing, and celebrating the people around us.
Edited by Zoe Carter