Why Art matters | Roland Augustine | TEDxDanubia

Summary

The speaker shares a profound experience with Colombian artist Beatriz González, whose work confronts Colombia's civil war and violence. González's art, reminiscent of ancient cave paintings, covers a Bogota cemetery, symbolizing the countless victims. The speaker reflects on art's relevance, its power to evoke emotion, and its role in societal reflection and critique. They discuss the impact of commercialization on art's message and the importance of engaging with art to confront reality and challenge societal norms.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The artist Beatriz González uses her work to lament the violence and civil war in Colombia, drawing parallels between her art and the earliest known cave paintings.
• 🏛 González created a memorial in Bogota's central cemetery, covering empty niches with images that resemble primitive art, reflecting on the thousands of victims of Colombia's civil war.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the relevance of art today, pondering its impact on society's civility, humanity, and safety.
• 🖼 Art serves as a medium for storytelling, allowing artists to express and share narratives that resonate with viewers and provoke thought.
• 🔄 Repetition in art is crucial for reinforcing messages and imprinting them on our minds, as demonstrated by González's memorial and historical works like Goya's and Picasso's.
• 🌟 Art can be a powerful tool for confronting harsh realities and challenging societal norms, as seen in the works of Dora Salcedo and Christophe Buélle.
• 💰 The commercialization of art threatens its essence, as the focus shifts from the artist's message to the art's monetary and entertainment value.
• 🏛 Museums are bustling, but the experience of art is being compromised by the lack of quiet contemplation and the dominance of money and status in the art world.
• ⏳ Art requires time and attention, and in a fast-paced society, we must slow down to truly engage with and appreciate its depth.
• 🌐 Art transcends boundaries of race, class, gender, and nationality, encouraging us to look beyond our limitations and prejudices.
• 🚢 The artist's role is to challenge the status quo and societal complacency, as exemplified by Beatriz González's impactful memorial and the legacy of Robert Frost.

Q & A

What is the main subject of Beatriz Gonzalez's artwork?

Beatriz Gonzalez's artwork primarily focuses on Colombia's long history of civil war, corruption, and drug trafficking, lamenting the unending violence in her country.

What did the narrator find striking about Beatriz's drawings based on newspaper photographs?

The narrator was struck by the resemblance of Beatriz's drawings to the earliest known art, such as the Lascaux cave paintings in France, which are almost 20,000 years old.

What was the unexpected artwork that Beatriz created in the central cemetery of Bogota?

The unexpected artwork created by Beatriz in the central cemetery of Bogota was covering each empty niche in a section of mausoleums, once housing the remains of over 9,000 people, with images she created using a simple, almost childlike pictorial language.

Why is art relevant today according to the narrator?

According to the narrator, art is relevant today because it allows artists to tell their stories and our stories, reminding us of past mistakes and prompting us to confront reality.

What is the name of Beatriz's memorial in the central cemetery of Bogota?

Beatriz's memorial in the central cemetery of Bogota is called 'Eros Anonymous' or 'Anonymous Auras'.

How does the narrator feel about the commercialization of art?

The narrator expresses concern about the commercialization of art, fearing that the language of art is being marginalized and subsumed by its entertainment and asset value.

What is the significance of Francisco Goya's painting 'The 3rd of May' to Beatriz Gonzalez?

Beatriz Gonzalez considers Francisco Goya, particularly his painting 'The 3rd of May,' as a significant influence and kindred spirit, as he also depicted violence in his artwork.

What is the impact of revisiting 'Guernica' on the narrator?

Revisiting 'Guernica' helps the narrator confront the reality of war and violence, making them feel less numb to the ongoing issues in the world.

What does the narrator believe is the role of art in society?

The narrator believes that art helps us look squarely into human failure, serving as a mirror to society's issues and prompting reflection and change.

What is the narrator's concern about the current state of art appreciation?

The narrator is concerned that the experience of art has been compromised due to a diminishing attention span and the focus on entertainment value over the message the artist is conveying.

How does the narrator relate President Kennedy's eulogy of Robert Frost to the role of artists?

The narrator relates President Kennedy's eulogy of Robert Frost to the role of artists by highlighting how artists, like Frost, bring an instinct for reality and challenge society against self-deception and easy consolation.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Art as a Reflection of Social Struggles

The speaker recounts their visit to Bogota to meet Colombian artists, focusing on Beatriz Gonzalez, whose art addresses Colombia's civil war, corruption, and drug trafficking. Initially uninterested in her drawings based on disturbing photographs, the speaker later connects them to the earliest cave paintings, recognizing their profound significance. Beatriz's memorial project in Bogota's central cemetery, where she covered empty niches with images, deeply moved the speaker. The speaker ponders the relevance of art today, questioning its impact on society's civility and humanity. They reflect on their role in a New York art gallery and the commercialization of art, emphasizing their faith in art's purpose in the modern world. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the power of art to confront suffering and the importance of preserving Beatriz's memorial as a testament to Colombia's history.

05:01

🖌️ The Power of Art to Confront Violence

The speaker delves into the relevance of art in addressing political violence, referencing Francisco Goya's 'The 3rd of May 1808' and Picasso's 'Guernica' as influential works that depict violence directly. They discuss their personal connection to these pieces, visiting them annually and finding them grounding. The speaker also mentions Andy Warhol's 'Electric Chair' and the work of Colombian sculptor Dora Salcedo, who uses art to signify loss and suffering. They argue for the necessity of controversy and debate in art, criticizing the commodification of culture and the diminishing attention given to art's language and meaning. The speaker calls for a return to a deeper engagement with art, emphasizing its quiet power to challenge our perceptions and confront reality.

10:04

🌐 Art as a Catalyst for Change and Reflection

In the final paragraph, the speaker emphasizes the importance of slowing down to appreciate art, which is often quiet and introspective. They discuss how art can offer beauty and solace or challenge us to confront harsh realities, urging us to expand our perspectives beyond societal boundaries. The speaker reflects on the role of artists as mirrors of human failure, using President Kennedy's eulogy for Robert Frost to illustrate how art can champion individual sensibility against societal intrusion. They conclude by advocating for the preservation of Beatriz's memorial and encouraging the audience to navigate against societal currents, using art as a guide for personal and collective growth.

Keywords

💡Artist

An artist is a person engaged in one or more of any broad spectrum of activities related to creating art, practicing the arts, or demonstrating an art. In the video, the artist Beatriz Gonzalez is highlighted for her work that reflects on Colombia's history of civil war, corruption, and drug trafficking. Her art serves as a form of social commentary and a lament for the violence in her country, illustrating the role of artists in addressing and bringing attention to societal issues.

💡Civil War

A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same nation state or country. The video references Colombia's long history of civil war, which has been a significant source of violence and suffering. Beatriz Gonzalez's artwork 'Eros Anonymous' is a direct response to this conflict, using art to memorialize the victims and to comment on the ongoing struggle, showing how art can be a medium for processing and expressing the trauma of war.

💡Cave Paintings

Cave paintings are paintings or other artistic markings made on cave walls or ceilings in prehistoric times. The script mentions the Lascaux cave paintings in France, which are almost 20,000 years old, drawing a parallel between these ancient artworks and Beatriz Gonzalez's drawings. This comparison underscores the timeless nature of art as a means of communication and expression, even across vast historical periods.

💡Political Nature

The political nature of art refers to artworks that engage with, comment on, or reflect political issues or ideologies. The video discusses how Beatriz Gonzalez's art is overtly political, dealing with the harsh realities of Colombia's civil war. This highlights the capacity of art to serve as a platform for political discourse and to provoke thought and dialogue about societal conditions.

💡Memorial

A memorial is an object or structure used to commemorate a person or event. In the video, Beatriz Gonzalez's 'Eros Anonymous' is described as a memorial to the victims of Colombia's civil war. The work transforms an empty cemetery into a site of remembrance, using repetition and simplicity to create a powerful visual impact that honors the dead and critiques the violence they suffered.

💡Repetition

Repetition in art is the act of repeating an element or a motif to create emphasis, rhythm, or to explore a concept. The script describes how Beatriz Gonzalez used repetition in her work to reflect the recurring nature of violence and to imprint the tragedy of the civil war into the viewer's consciousness. This technique is also linked to the way our brains process information, emphasizing the importance of repetition in making art memorable and impactful.

💡Commercialization of Art

The commercialization of art refers to the process by which art becomes a commodity to be bought and sold in the marketplace, often prioritizing financial value over artistic or cultural value. The video speaker expresses concern about this trend, arguing that it can lead to the marginalization of art's language and meaning. This keyword is crucial as it reflects on the tension between art as a form of expression and art as a product in a capitalist society.

💡Controversy

Controversy in art refers to the debates or disputes that arise when artworks challenge societal norms, values, or beliefs. The video mentions how controversy can be a positive aspect of art, sparking important discussions and debates. It contrasts this with the negative impact of money and status dominating art, suggesting that controversy can be a sign of art's vitality and relevance.

💡Human Failure

Human failure in the context of the video refers to the mistakes, shortcomings, and tragedies that are part of the human condition. Art, according to the speaker, is essential because it helps us confront these failures directly. It provides a space where we can look at the harsh realities of life without flinching, as exemplified by the works of Beatriz Gonzalez and other artists mentioned in the script.

💡Champion of the Individual

The term 'champion of the individual' is used to describe how artists can stand up for individual thought and sensibility against societal pressures and conformity. The video references President Kennedy's eulogy of Robert Frost, highlighting the artist's role in defending personal perspectives against an intrusive state or officious society. This concept is central to the video's argument about the importance of art in preserving individuality and critical thought.

Highlights

Artist Beatriz Gonzalez uses her work to lament the unending violence in Colombia due to civil war, corruption, and drug trafficking.

The speaker's initial lack of interest in Gonzalez's drawings changes upon realizing their resemblance to ancient cave paintings.

Gonzalez's memorial 'Eros Anonymous' in Bogota's central cemetery covers empty niches with images, creating a powerful commentary on Colombia's civil war.

The repetition in Gonzalez's art serves as a reminder of the continuous cycle of violence and the need for societal change.

The speaker, a New York art gallery partner, discusses the commercialization of art and its impact on the art world.

Art's relevance is questioned in terms of its ability to make society more civil, humane, and the world a safer place.

The speaker reflects on the emotional impact of Gonzalez's work and its ability to confront the reality of suffering.

The influence of Francisco Goya on Gonzalez is highlighted, with a focus on Goya's depiction of violence in his paintings.

Picasso's 'Guernica' is mentioned as a powerful piece that parallels the fragmentation of war with its own fragmented style.

Andy Warhol's 'Electric Chair' series is discussed as a commentary on the ritualized killing and the death penalty.

Colombian sculptor Dora Salcedo's work focuses on political violence and the ethos of society.

Salcedo's 'Shibboleth' at the Tate Modern is a direct form of political art, symbolizing societal division and the lasting impact of violence.

Christophe Buhrel's transformation of a deconsecrated church into a mosque in Venice sparks debate and controversy.

The speaker warns against the commodification of culture and the marginalization of art's language due to money and status.

The importance of taking time to engage with art and the danger of losing the quiet, contemplative experience of it is emphasized.

Art is described as a tool for confronting reality, challenging preconceptions, and allowing new ideas to form.

The speaker calls for artists and their work to navigate societal challenges and to help people look into human failure.

The eulogy of Robert Frost by President Kennedy is referenced to highlight the artist's role as a champion of individual perception against societal currents.

The speaker concludes by urging the audience to sail against the current of time, letting artists and their work guide the way.

Transcripts

this is a story of an artist and her

kindred spirits about three months ago I

traveled to Bogota to meet with several

Colombian artists one of them was

Beatriz Gonzalez

Beatrice's subject is Colombia's long

history of civil war corruption and drug

trafficking her work in short laments

the unending violence in her beloved

country now that day I went to bayit

rhesus studio where I saw a group of

simple drawings they were based upon

disturbing newspaper photographs of two

men carrying corpses from a massacre now

at first admittedly I didn't find those

drawings of great interest

owing to their obvious and avert Li

political nature but then suddenly

something struck me their resemblance to

some of the earliest art we know of the

last cow cave paintings in France they

were made almost 20,000 years ago

Beatriz then took me to the central

cemetery in Bogota to see something she

had created there in fact it was all

quite unexpected we went to a section

empty of human remains where the

buildings that housed them still stand

these are for roman-style

Coulomb barrier or mausoleums now these

mausoleums once housed the remains of

over 9,000 people many of them indigent

victims of Colombia's civil war it took

Beatriz one year to cover each empty

niche with one of several images that

she created in the simplest pictorial

language

each articulated in a primitive almost

childlike way just as in those cave

paintings

I saw repetition everywhere for

buildings eight images nine thousand

times I was leveled I felt such sadness

but ironically I felt such joy and

admiration for ban trees in one artist's

voice who was speaking out against the

unspeakable we must stop this madness so

why is art relevant today why is it that

artists still want to make pictures why

is it that we still keep looking at them

is there any evidence that art makes our

society more civil more humane or our

world a safer place within which to live

now I'm a partner in a well-established

New York art gallery working with

artists every day I've had the good

fortune over the course of my career to

travel extensively throughout the world

viewing countless exhibitions of art and

museums and galleries and while I've

been exceedingly fortunate to be working

in such a dynamic and creative

environment frankly it's never been

easier to get caught up in the

commercialization of art but what I'm

here to talk about today is my faith in

art's purpose in the world today have

you ever wondered why a picture draws

you in

standing there with Beatrice that day I

realized why I was so moved there was so

much to process the stark depiction of

corpses

the haunting solemnity of the sight and

the fact that bayit rest' devoted a year

of her life to the project with

Colombian suffering and dying around her

now Beatrice calls her memorial eros

anonymous or anonymous auras it was

meant to be a temporary but Beatrice and

her friends would like it preserved so

would I after a half century of civil

war and violence hundreds of thousands

dead millions displaced it's far too

important to be demolished

artists paint perform sculpt in order to

tell their stories in order to tell our

stories they remind us not to make the

same mistakes but we do again and again

so we need repetition that's how our

brain functions that's how we're wired

and we keep going back to art now I'd

like to talk to you about a little bit

more in the way of art that's relevant

to baya trees here is Francisco Goya's

the 3rd of May from 1814 a painting that

many of you are undoubtedly familiar

with Beatrice told me that Goya was a

big influence on her a kindred spirit in

a painter who made paintings of violence

now Goya puts it all out there in front

of you and while we can admire the

dramatic rendering of light and the

painterly essence and staging of scene

it's the subject it's the story that

grabs us that grounds us that connects

us to a reality far distant from our own

now every year I go to Madrid on

business and the first thing I do is I

go to the Reina Sofia to see Picasso's

Guernica

I must look at it again the painting

shows the fascist bombing of this Basque

village of Guernica during the time of

the Spanish Civil War

Picasso's fragmented style parallels the

fragmentation of his country

it is a most lucid depiction of the

horrors of war not unlike Beatrice's or

us anonymous

when I revisit Guernica I bring my

burden of the years news of war and may

M when I stand in front of that picture

it helps me confront a reality that I am

otherwise numb to now here is Andy

Warhol's electric chair from 1963 the

same year as the last execution in New

York State what you're looking at here

is a tool of ritualized killing that was

used over 600 times at sing-sing prison

war Howe used this image repeatedly over

the next 10 years recently I met the

artist Dora salcedo who is a friend of

Beatrice

she's a Colombian sculptor here's what

she told me about her work in my work

I've only addressed one issue political

violence I have focused on political

violence not because I'm Colombian she

said but because I believe that violence

defines the ethos of our society today

she went on I believe that in art life

can transcribe a passage from suffering

to signifying loss here is Doris's

Shibboleth she cut a chasm in the floor

of the Tate Modern in London it is the

most direct form of political art we are

broken we are separated the scar remains

more recently I attended the opening of

a mosque in Venice the first in its

historic center artist Christophe boo

quelle transformed deconsecrated Church

into a mosque some saw as a welcome step

others found it a provocative one I say

bring on the debate controversy in art

is not a pro

what is a problem however is when money

and status dominate art the language of

art becomes marginalized now its

ironical I'm a part of that system

running a gallery representing

successful artists but I see trouble

ahead

in the commodification of culture our

diminishing attention span separates us

from the art art its language is in

danger of being subsumed by its

entertainment value by its asset value a

lot of art is being bought and sold

without much interest if any in what the

artists are saying we should be happy

that our museums are busy that they're

crowded the Museum of Modern Art last

year had three million visitors the Tate

in London five million visitors but we

needn't be happy about the way our

experience of art has been compromised

when you can't stand in front of a

painting quietly something is lost our

sanctuary is gone art demands time and

attention so we must slow down receiving

is quiet art is quiet its internal some

paintings offer us beauty and solace

others more challenging work pushes us

to confront reality to let go of our

preconceptions to let ideas take new

place the idea behind the discovery of

art is something that is very special

art beckons us past our boundaries of

race class gender nationality

it beckons us past our limitations of

intolerance and apathy now like anyone I

make the same mistakes over and over and

the truth is that what I come to realize

finally at the end of the day artists

and art is relevant today it's entirely

essential because artists help us look

squarely into human failure there is no

averting our eyes when the work is

compelling in 1963 President Kennedy

eulogized the late American poet Robert

Frost and I will read you that eulogy he

brought an instinct for reality to bear

upon the Pyatt ease and platitudes of

society his sense of human tragedy

fortified him against self-deception and

easy consolation the artist becomes the

champion of the individual mind and

Sensibility against an intrusive state

and an officious society in pursuing his

perceptions of reality the artist must

sail against the currents of his time

this is not a popular role not everyone

in Bogota wants Beatrice's memorial to

be preserved but it really doesn't

matter she's delivered her message

standing in front of it for me my

self-deception and easy consolation fell

away so to all of you I say sail on

against the current of our time let

artists and their work navigate the

waters ahead for you thank you very much

you