SOCIAL ART

Artists can make us observe, feel, and enter other worlds. Their artworks are created within the context of the society that surrounds them.

Artists of all types are necessary: from the chronicler, who records society more or less objectively (and whose works become witnesses of the memory and identity of a people), to the revolutionary (seeking change and evolution through their work), who urges us to rise up.

What is the purpose of art? This is a widely discussed topic, especially in recent times. Although the monetary value is quite subjective and questionable, the testimonial role of art and the need for its conservation seem to be completely agreed upon.

Museums used to be places to deposit and preserve art, but now they are spaces of interaction and encounters, places to enjoy an artistic experience. They have been modernised, and many have mobile applications for the visitors. Do you know what means they use to attract their customers? Do you know any museum websites or apps?

Museums and art centres exhibit and preserve artistic works, favouring cultural education. There are many professions within the art world, including restoration, conservation, involving visitors in activities at a museum, publicising exhibitions, invigilating exhibition rooms, etc. Art has also moved from large private spaces to public places and small social centres, such as galleries, alternative cultural spaces, etc.

1 How do you think the historical moment in which a work of art is made influences the message and the way it is conveyed? Why do you think works of art are kept? Why are they exhibited? What is the purpose of art?

Popular art and community art can gather people together thanks to common creative processes and shared experiences. Feeling that one is part of a group and collective identity boosts our well-being. Some people consider crafts, popular festival objects, regional dances, traditions, etc. to be ‘minor arts’. They attribute a lack of originality and aesthetic quality to them, since they consider that the more useful an object or a manifestation is, the less artistic value it has. However, these are often the best reflections of a people’s identity.

Manifestations of floral art:

1. Silleteros parade, in Medellín (Colombia).

2. Paradise, Delirium and Desire (2017), installation by Belgian Tomas de Bruyne in the Vimcorsa room in Córdoba. Córdoba International Flower Festival.

Las Fallas began as a purifying festival, in which old junk was burnt in honour of San José. It celebrated the arrival of spring. Now, it is a festival in which authentic works of ephemeral art with a high content of protest and criticism are exhibited and burnt. What popular festivals and traditions do you know? What objects and clothing are used? What crafts do you value? Why? Collect images of them and share them with your classmates.

2 The origin of the mask is as old as the human need to seek the transcendent. It gives its wearer a mystical power, vigour, wisdom, etc. Have you ever used one? How did you feel?

Find examples of masks and recreate one that represents the power you want the most.

Images of urban art:

Urban art is any artistic intervention or manifestation on the street. It is instantaneous, rapid and generally ephemeral. It is the closest form of art that we have. We do not need to go to a museum to see it. It does not ask us for permission to enter our lives, we enjoy it while walking. Some works are promotional, but many others carry critical, subversive or thought-provoking messages. They are works that occupy entire streets or neighbourhoods, intervene in space, on street furniture or vegetation. They can be made by one or more artists who stand against the violation of human rights, and raise topics, such as politics, health, etc.

3 a) What do you think about urban art? Do you think it can be qualified as art?

b) Take a walk around your neighbourhood or your city. What expressions of urban art can you see?

4 a) What do you think urban art brings to cities? Do you know any urban artists?

b) Do you think urban art (in private or public spaces, in abandoned spaces) should be regulated by a contract?

Beyond action art, which focuses on the process of creation and encourages audience participation, relational art poses art as a ‘state of encounter’ between the spectator and the work, establishing relationships with the place. Relational works are open and participatory.

Artivism implies a greater social involvement of the artist. It proposes a social change and encourages mobilisation and subversion through art. It makes us question our principles and helps us look at our reality from a different perspective.

For artivism artists, the street is no longer just a place. It is a space full of life and reflection. They transform the shared public space into a place that calls for revolution, which is feared by the authorities.

Have you ever participated in a relational work of art?

5 Have you ever been involved in a performance, installation or other artistic work in which the artist invited the audience to participate? Describe it to your classmates. How did you feel? What did you like the most?

Look for information and collect images about this type of art.

Do you know the singer Carlinhos Brown and the film The Miracle of Candeal? It is a documentary that deals with a social intervention project in the favelas of Brazil, which involves the community in improving the neighbourhood. Pracatum, a music school there, is a sociocultural centre. Look for information on other similar social action projects through art.