TEDxDiliman - Lourd de Veyra - Art, Art Ka Diyan!

TEDx Talks

4 Nov 201109:43

Summary

TLDRThe transcript is a passionate discourse on the role of art in society, questioning its impact and relevance. It references the famous poem 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' and discusses the power of art to express emotions and ideas, even if it cannot always change the world. The speaker ponders if art can truly influence social change or if it's merely a reflection of the human condition. The conversation touches on historical and contemporary examples of art, including music, literature, and film, and their potential to inspire or simply provide an outlet for expression.

Takeaways

🤔 The speaker is questioning the definition and purpose of art, suggesting that its meaning is subjective and can vary greatly.
🎭 The transcript mentions 'Rage Against the Dying of the Light,' a poem by Dylan Thomas, highlighting the theme of fighting against the inevitability of aging and death.
🎨 The speaker reflects on the abundance of art in the world and the number of artists, pondering if there is an over-saturation of art and what that means for society.
📚 The discussion touches on the idea that art can be a form of expression that goes beyond aesthetics, potentially influencing societal norms and behaviors.
🏳️‍🌈 Art is presented as a powerful tool that can provoke thought and emotions, even if it doesn't always lead to direct action or change.
🎵 The transcript refers to music and lyrics as a form of art that can have a significant impact, questioning how they can change society.
🎬 The speaker brings up the example of the film 'The Battle of Algiers' to illustrate how art can be influential and even used for training in real-life scenarios.
👨‍🎤 The discussion includes the impact of artists like John Lennon and Bob Dylan, who used their music to comment on social and political issues.
📖 The transcript mentions literature as a form of art that can inspire change, referencing the works of national artists and their potential influence on the masses.
🌎 The speaker contemplates whether art created for the people, such as works by Rizal and Amado Hernandez, is actually read or watched by those it aims to inspire.
💡 The transcript concludes with a call for art that addresses and potentially solves real-world problems, such as climate change and social injustices.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed in the transcript?
-The main theme discussed in the transcript is the role and impact of art on society, questioning whether art can truly effect societal change or if it is simply a reflection of human conditions and emotions.
What does the speaker suggest about the abundance of art in the world?
-The speaker suggests that there is an overwhelming abundance of art in the world, with many artists and artistic expressions, yet questions if this abundance has a significant impact on societal change.
What quote from Dylan Thomas is mentioned in the transcript, and what does it signify?
-The quote 'Do not go gentle into that good night' by Dylan Thomas is mentioned, signifying a plea for people to fight against the dying of the light, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for not succumbing to the end of life or complacency in the face of societal issues.
What does the speaker imply about the power of poetry to influence the world?
-The speaker implies that despite the beauty and emotional impact of poetry, as suggested by Ezra Pound's statement that no poem has ever stopped a tank, it may not have a direct or immediate effect on stopping violence or large-scale political events.
Why does the speaker mention the film 'The Battle of Algiers'?
-The speaker mentions 'The Battle of Algiers' to illustrate that art, in this case a film, can have a profound influence and be used for educational purposes by military experts and revolutionary groups, suggesting that art can inspire and inform action.
What is the speaker's view on the relationship between art and the human condition?
-The speaker views art as a reflection of the human condition, raising existential questions about life and our experiences, but also questions whether art can provide solutions or merely comment on the issues.
How does the speaker feel about the role of art in addressing societal problems like climate change?
-The speaker expresses a desire for art that can address and potentially mitigate societal problems like climate change, suggesting that art could play a more active role in raising awareness and inspiring action.
What historical figures are mentioned in relation to art and societal change?
-Historical figures such as José Rizal, Amado Hernandez, and Eman Lacaba are mentioned, indicating that their works were created for the people, especially the workers and the oppressed, to inspire liberation and fight against injustice.
What is the speaker's opinion on the accessibility of art to the masses?
-The speaker questions whether the masses, such as workers and the oppressed, actually have access to or engage with the art created for them, suggesting a potential disconnect between art and its intended audience.
What does the speaker suggest about the purpose of art in relation to societal issues?
-The speaker suggests that art should serve a purpose beyond mere expression, potentially offering insight into the human condition and inspiring action to address societal issues such as poverty, injustice, and environmental challenges.
What is the speaker's stance on the effectiveness of art in inciting change?
-The speaker is skeptical about the effectiveness of art in inciting change, citing examples where art has not prevented violence or political upheaval, but also acknowledges the power of art to inspire and reflect on important issues.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 The Role of Art in Society

This paragraph delves into the complex relationship between art and society. It begins with a contemplation on the definition of art and its various forms, suggesting that art can be both beautiful and ugly, but must evoke thought and emotion. The speaker then questions the power of art to change society, referencing the famous line from Dylan Thomas's poem, 'Do not go gentle into that good night,' to emphasize the struggle against complacency. The paragraph explores the idea that while art may not directly stop wars or political oppression, it can inspire and reflect the human condition, potentially influencing societal attitudes and behaviors. It concludes with a rhetorical question about the role of art in the face of societal challenges, suggesting that art can be a form of resistance and a catalyst for change.

05:02

🤔 The Impact of Art on Human Condition

The second paragraph continues the discussion on art's role in society but shifts the focus to the human condition. It raises the question of whether art can truly bring about societal change or if it is merely a reflection of the world's complexities. The speaker mentions Che Guevara and Mark Chapman, suggesting that art can have a profound impact on individuals, even leading to extreme actions. The paragraph also touches on the influence of popular culture, such as the Beatles and the novel 'The Catcher in the Rye,' on societal norms and behaviors. It questions the accessibility and relevance of art to the masses, particularly in the context of social and political struggles. The speaker ponders the role of art in addressing pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and disease, and whether it can provide solutions or merely offer commentary on the human experience.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Art

Art, in this script, is discussed as a form of expression that can reflect and influence the human condition. It is presented as a powerful medium that has historically been used to convey messages, provoke thought, and inspire change. The script mentions various forms of art, such as music, literature, and film, and their potential impact on society, questioning whether art can truly effect societal change or if it is simply a reflection of the world's complexities.

💡Human Condition

The human condition refers to the collective experiences, challenges, and existential questions that define our existence as human beings. In the script, it is used to explore the role of art in addressing or reflecting upon these profound aspects of life, such as suffering, joy, and the struggle for meaning. The discussion suggests that art can provide insight into the human condition, but also questions its practical ability to alleviate or change these fundamental aspects.

💡Society

Society is the group of individuals living together in a more or less ordered community. The script ponders on how art can change society, suggesting that while art can express societal issues, it may not always lead to tangible change. It contrasts the idealistic view of art as a transformative force with the reality that societal structures and problems often persist despite artistic expressions.

💡Expression

Expression in the script is associated with the various forms of art and how they communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives. It is highlighted as a means for artists to convey their views on the world, and for audiences to engage with these messages. The term is used to discuss the potential of art to represent the beauty or the harsh realities of life.

💡Influence

Influence here refers to the capacity of art to affect or change the thoughts, feelings, or actions of individuals and potentially society at large. The script questions the extent of art's influence, citing examples of art that did not prevent violence or political unrest, suggesting a complex relationship between art and societal change.

💡Performance Art

Performance art is a form of art in which the artist's body or presence is a central aspect of the work. The script mentions performance art in the context of rallies and protests, indicating its use as a means of political and social commentary. It suggests that performance art can be a powerful tool for communication and activism.

💡Literature

Literature in the script is discussed as a form of art that uses written words to tell stories, convey emotions, and explore ideas. It is highlighted in the context of its potential to inspire change or to serve as a record of societal issues. The script references Nobel laureates and their works, questioning the real-world impact of such literary achievements.

💡Film

Film is discussed as a visual art form that can communicate complex narratives and ideas. The script mentions specific films, such as 'The Battle of Algiers,' and their influence on military strategy and social movements, suggesting that film can have a significant impact on how people perceive and respond to societal issues.

💡Music

Music is presented as an art form capable of evoking emotions and uniting people. The script references the power of music in social movements and its role in shaping popular culture, using examples like The Beatles and their influence on music and society.

💡Protest

Protest is the act of expressing disapproval or objection to a policy or course of action. In the script, protest is linked to art forms like performance art and music, suggesting that art can be a medium for expressing dissent and advocating for change.

💡Cultural Impact

Cultural impact refers to the effect that art, ideas, or events have on a society's cultural values and norms. The script discusses the potential of art to shape culture, using examples of how certain works of art have been influential in defining or changing cultural perceptions.

Highlights

The question of what art means and its definition, suggesting that it is a broad and open concept.

The mention of 'Do not go gentle into that good night,' a famous poem by Dylan Thomas, implying the importance of fighting against the dying of the light.

The idea that art can be beautiful or not, but it should provoke thought and convey a message.

The discussion on whether art can change society, questioning its impact and influence.

The quote from Ezra Pound stating that no poem has ever stopped a tank, highlighting the limitations of art in the face of violence and conflict.

The question of why people still create and appreciate art despite its perceived inability to change the world.

The reference to the film 'The Battle of Algiers' and its influence on military strategy and guerrilla warfare.

The mention of Mark Chapman, the man who shot John Lennon, and the impact of literature on real-life events.

The Beatles' role in shaping popular music and the cultural shift they represented.

The question of whether art created for the people, such as by Rizal and Amado Hernandez, is actually read or watched by them.

The discussion on whether art can provide insight into the human condition and existential questions about life.

The desire for art that addresses and responds to societal issues like climate change and natural disasters.

The reflection on the role of art in providing comfort or solutions to the challenges faced by humanity.

The exploration of the power of art to inspire change and provoke action in society.

The debate on the relevance and accessibility of art in the lives of ordinary people.

The philosophical inquiry into the purpose and impact of art in the modern world.

The consideration of art as a form of expression that transcends the ordinary and touches on deeper human experiences.