Why do we art?

The synergy between art and academia, music and philosophy, storytelling and activism can birth creations that resonate with collective consciousness. By breaking down disciplinary boundaries, we empower artists to be holistic contributors to social dialogue. We must create and facilitate ideas and initiatives that directly impact local issues, inviting our audiences to experience the transformative power of our artistic inclinations to guide society toward enlightenment, empathy, and empowerment

IN this digital era inundated with fleeting distractions and momentary amusements, the question lingers: Why do we create art? The answer is as simple as it is profound. Beyond aesthetics, every brushstroke, every note, every word penned is an act of imagination engineering. The power of artistic creation lies not merely in its ability to entertain but in its profound capacity to inspire and elevate consciousness. Artists, or rather, artists, bear a responsibility that transcends the realm of entertainment. The canvas, the stage, the manuscript—they are all conduits for the intangible force channeling the ethereal into tangible forms that captivate, challenge, and ultimately transform. The artist owes the world much more than a fleeting escape; we are architects of thought and catalysts for action.

At its core, artistic creation is an exploration of the boundless realms of human imagination. It is a deliberate act of conjuring new possibilities, be they fantastical landscapes, innovative melodies, or thought-provoking cinema. Imagination, the cornerstone of art, becomes a vehicle for escapism and introspection, a realm where the mind is free to traverse uncharted territories. Yet, the true power of art emerges when it ceases to be a passive observer of imagination and becomes an active force for change. Art should not merely decorate the walls of our consciousness but should demand that we engage with it, wrestle with its implications, and respond with conscious action. It is in this symbiosis between creation and contemplation that art becomes a transformative agent.

Consider the visual masterpiece that sparks conversations about societal norms or the haunting melody that resonates with the collective yearning for change. Art, when harnessed with intention, becomes a mirror reflecting the multifaceted dimensions of the human experience. It has the capacity to challenge the status quo, question ingrained beliefs, and beckon us toward uncharted horizons. The artist’s duty, then, extends beyond the canvas or the stage. It is a commitment to stir the stagnant waters of complacency, to provoke thought, and to awaken dormant potentials within the collective psyche. Artistic expression is not a solitary endeavor; it is a shared dialogue between creator and audience, an exchange that transcends linguistic barriers and cultural divides.

In an era where the noise of the mundane often drowns out the symphony of the profound, art is a beacon of possibility. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an invitation to dream beyond the confines of the present. The artist, as a custodian of this transformative force, holds the key to unlocking doors to new realities. African artists and storytellers especially, stand at a crossroads today. The creative industries across the continent is booming at unprecedented levels. Over a million creators across the continent’s major urban cities are producing images, visuals, crafts, stories, designs, music, poetry, photography, film, dance, theatre, literature, and many sundry creations of imagination. Young talents are leveraging digital platforms to showcase diverse expressions of art and this surge is fueled by increased access to technology, a growing appreciation for cultural diversity, and a desire to challenge stereotypes. The result is a vibrant cultural landscape that is fostering a lot of creativity. Yet the content and context of a large percentage of these productions are empty in insight, history, philosophy, ideology, politics, sociology or any measure of new thinking or fresh ideas around which we could foreshadow a future different from our past as a community of people.

Our creative industries hold the potential to confront a spectrum of challenges. And there are many – gender inequality, ethnic tensions, and stigmas remain a part of our traditions and cultures. Governance concerns abound with issues of corruption, transparency, and the need for accountable leadership. We have development challenges where our storytelling can advocate for, and address, economic disparities, access to education, and healthcare. And of course, there is a lot to examine in our practice of democratic processes and civic participation. If our art and artists were to embrace their voice for change, imagine the positive impact that can be cultivated in communities and societies throughout the continent. How do we rekindle the flame of Africa’s ancestral heritage, where the artist, the chanter, the drummer, and the storyteller were not mere entertainers but esteemed public intellectuals who wielded artistic creations as instruments of truth to power? Our heritage is one where the beat of the drum echoed the heartbeat of a community, and the storyteller wove narratives that mirror societal truths. To convince African artists of this heritage demands a multi-faceted approach rooted in acknowledgment, education, and celebration. Let us first acknowledge the roots from which we draw inspiration. The artist as a public intellectual is not a foreign concept; it is a thread woven into the fabric of our history. The griots, the storytellers, the visual artists—all were revered as carriers of wisdom and architects of societal reflection. Recognizing this lineage is the first step toward reigniting the flame.

We must encourage collaborations between artists and other intellectual realms.  Art is not created in a vacuum but is an integral part of the community. The synergy between art and academia, music and philosophy, storytelling and activism can birth creations that resonate with collective consciousness. By breaking down disciplinary boundaries, we empower artists to be holistic contributors to social dialogue. We must create and facilitate ideas and initiatives that directly impact local issues, inviting our audiences to experience the transformative power of our artistic inclinations to guide society toward enlightenment, empathy, and empowerment. African artists are the torchbearers of a legacy that demands that each creation of our imagination carry thoughtful expression and reflection.

Why do we art? We art to engineer visions of a better world, and to summon the courage of our viewers and audiences to bring those visions into existence. Art is a vital force that propels us toward a conscious evolution, urging us to envision and act upon our best possibilities.