Art and Revolution

Running head: ART AND REVOLUTION
ART AND REVOLUTION
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1ART AND REVOLUTION
1. Introduction:
The world has always been a division of two groups considered widely as the class
system. A small group of minorities dominate the large group of people belonging from the
working class and poor (Turner, Abrahams and Harris 2017). It is not only through the control of
economic system but also through the usage of the main levers of the state. The main lever of the
state includes mass media, education and cultural activity. However, that certainly does not mean
that it has the entire control over the society. There is never a regime in history that could or ever
can cease people from thinking and creating. Human minds are of exceptional capability. The
most exceptional craving of human are the thirst for freedom, rebellion and self-expression. The
art that is born in ay society is the part of that particular society. Therefore, in one way or in any
other way it is a reflection of that particular society.
Art is always employed directly in the service of the regimes of the society. People make
use of the culture and art in order to bring change. Workers and oppressed people constantly
make use of their culture to meet their ends or to create a place with their convenience
(Pilkington and Omel’chenko 2013). To promote struggle, denounce oppression, mobilize, raise
consciousness and other related aspects to make and bring about changes. There can be several
example cited that can show the ways art is the tool people use to bring change and revolution in
society.
The essay paper will aim to discuss the concept of art and present the definition of art in
order to gain the conceptual meaning of art. The various ways art is used in order to bring
changes in the society and bring revolution. The connection between art and revolution will be
discussed in this essay. Along with the discussion on the connection between art and revolution

2ART AND REVOLUTION
the essay paper will focus on discussing in context of the social involvement and influence of the
art towards the political revolution. The essay paper will discuss on the effect and impact of art
towards the political and social development in the continent and the afro community that
persists across the globe. The way artists are working in the under developed as well as
developing countries including the African continent and initiated revolutions in their way will
be discussed in the essay. Including the contemporaneous events and the politics the essay will
discuss in context of the art of the artists revealing the political and social dimension together
with the controversy and the force of the politics and social change. The essay paper will focus
on the ways current century contemporary African artists are playing some of the distinct role
models n revealing the explanation and the story of revolution and the protest in the continent.
Discussion:
Art
The ideas of defining art have never been easy for any philosopher or researchers. Similar
to the way art works, the concept of art is an abstract subject. Universally, there is no definition
of art although there is a general consensus that explains art as the conscious creation of anything
that is beautiful or meaningful with the help of skill and imagination. Throughout the history
definition of the art and its perceived value of works of art have changed. The value and
definition has been different in different culture as well (Shapiro and Carlson 2017).
Etymology: The term “art” is in relation to the Latin word “ars” that means art, skill and craft.
The word was obtained and known widely from the 13th century manuscripts. However, it is also
found that the word “art” and its various variants such as eart and artem have probably existed
since the founding of Rome (Adams 2018).

3ART AND REVOLUTION
Philosophy of art: for centuries, the definition of art has been debated among the philosophers.
The philosophy of aesthetics brings forth the most basic question, “what is art?” which is
interpreted as “how one can decide something as a piece of art?”. This implies in common terms
two subtexts, the significant nature of art and the piece’s social importance. Or lack of social
importance. The definition of art is usually falling into three segregation, representation,
expression and form.
 Art as representation: According to Plato, who developed the idea of art first time as
“mimesis” that means copying or imitation in Greek. Due to this particular reason the
primary meaning of art was obtained as the representation or replication of an object that is
meaningful and beautiful for centuries. However, during the end of the eighteenth century, a
work of art was decided to be valued on the terms of the ways faithfully it replicated its
subjects. The definition of good art had a profound impact on contemporary and modern
artists. While there are still existences of representational art today, it do not measure the
value only.
 Art as expression of emotional content: during the Romantic Movement expression became
significant along with artwork expressing a concrete feeling such as the sublime or dramatic.
Suddenly, the audience of art work became vital. The job of art work was the intention of
evoking an emotional response. This specific definition still holds true today as the artists
seek to connect with their viewers and evoke responses from the viewers.
 Art as form: one of the most influential of the early theorists during the end of 18th century
was Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804). According to Immanuel Kant, art should not bear any
concept however it should be judged and examined only on its formal qualities. He believed
this as the content of art is not of any aesthetic interest. Formal qualities of art became