Art is a form of expression that has proven to be thousands of years old. People have different definitions for it, and even different associations with the term. Art comes in different forms; whether it be music, literature, or straight up paintings and sculptures. Regardless of  its many forms, one thing remains constant and true through it all: art always has meaning and messages behind it. 

A large concentration of art has a fairly political meaning hidden behind it. Most political art comes in the form of music or cartoons you see in your morning paper. But despite its most common forms, art always empowers and enlightens. Art INSPIRES those who observe it, and when it is taken in, it provides other-worldly realization for most. It’s like one of those “aha moments” your english teacher talked about in middle school, only this time it’s applied to your own self and realization. 

The big question you’re asking is “how does art impact a movement?” Here’s your answer; art has the power to inspire, and inspiration leads to new ideas which leads to the spreading of such ideas and the translation of experiences across the world. It has the power to change opinions, whilst staying aesthetically pleasing. Art is the communication that people of different cultures and backgrounds use to tell their stories. 

When it comes to social and political movements, art has a tendency to harmonize the activists within the movement, encourage and emphasize the need for change, speak to larger society about issues they sweep under the rug, tell the story of a movement, and so much more. When the public say art is powerful, they mean it. It has the ability to do so much in our society, all we need to do is keep creating and keep pressing for change.

by Faria Majeed