Sara Laue

The arts have profoundly influenced the human spirit for
thousands of years, serving as a vital form of expression and
communication. While often perceived as less open to personal interpretation, visual arts can evoke deep emotions and convey complex messages. This raises an important question: how essential are the arts to our lives, and should we invest efforts in preserving this integral part of human culture?

Art evolves alongside society, reflecting our changing perspectives, issues, and ways of life. For instance, before the invention of cameras, paintings served to document and preserve moments for future generations. Today, contemporary art has shifted towards abstraction, utilizing color and texture to express ideas in new ways.

Political cartoons, too, play a significant role in shaping public
opinion about leaders and government, often prioritizing commentary over artistic merit. As technology advances, so does
the landscape of art. In the past, art was a means of expressing
complex thoughts efficiently, especially in an era when literacy
was not widespread. Now, with the rise of social media, anyone can share their artistic expressions with a vast audience, enabling
more people to engage with art without requiring traditional artistic skills.

Moreover, visual arts are intrinsically linked to human psychology
and brain development. A study by Mangione et al. (2018) highlights that exposure to art can enhance personal traits such as open mindedness, empathy, and wisdom among medical students, while also helping to prevent burnout. In simpler terms, engaging with art can improve emotional understanding and stress management. Therefore, the arts not only enrich our lives but also contribute positively to our mental health and societal evolution, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting this vibrant aspect of human culture.