Role of art in times of crisis
- Nadia Michalik
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Why is art so important?
Art has always been a tool. It has been used to express certain feelings or has constituted a form of commentary towards different ideas. People communicated messages between lines, unspoken truths. Art is a source of entertainment, a way to escape from reality. Throughout history, humanity has faced moments of profound crisis, such as wars, pandemics, natural disasters, political issues as well as social upheaval. In these times, dominated by fear and uncertainty, art often is not a luxury, but a necessity. It becomes an essential part of human life, helping individuals and societies endure hardships to ultimately resurge in the future.
Many events throughout the time showed art as a saviour in times of darkness. Art conveys hope where there is a lack of it. It affects human hearts deeply on an emotional level since the heart is a soft, fragile object that needs comfort. Therefore, when times get tough, it looks out for solace. Sustenance to overcome difficulties, to lift its spirits. And art gives all these things. In Dead Poets Society, the teacher, John Keating, says:
Medicine, law, banking, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.
This quote quite depicts the importance of art in a human life.
Art serves as a powerful tool of resistance. In times of political oppression or social injustice, artists tend to challenge authority and expose uncomfortable truths. Various forms of artwork, such as satire, performance, street murals, were significant in movements for civil rights, freedom and equality. Art has a power in unspoken words, in its symbolic yet meaningful nature. Since it can communicate ideas emotionally, it can bypass censorship and reach people in ways that official statements cannot. A single piece of art can inspire, evoke courage, and keep resistance alive when open dissent is dangerous. Art gives voice to the voiceless. One of notable examples of such resistance is a British street artist Banksy. He paints graffiti on the London streets, illustrating both acerbic and anitauthoritarian topics, which made him extremely popular. Through his artwork, he presents political issues as well as critique of injustice, racism included. He addresses these topics explicitly, almost inevitably to omit. Banksy showed his support for Black Lives Matter (BLM), a social movement which highlights racial inequality, through his graphic inspired by the death of George Floyd. In his post, he said: people of colour are being failed by the system, distinctly pointing out the significance of this issue.
Art plays a huge role in the history of mankind, documenting significant events, ideas, and social norms. It reflects emotions, often sparking change in customs. Art embodies the values and beliefs of civilizations, helping to understand the past and the present. Moreover, it fosters empathy and links people different by culture. It presents the world from various perspectives, allowing individuals to see them. Simply letting us understand the world better.
Another aspect is that art can be soothing in its form, helping to process traumas as well as cope with stress. All forms of artwork, painting, sketching, or sculpting, positively influence the brain, releasing dopamine. Practicing some of these may help with strengthening neural connections, thus improving memory and observation. It contributes to the brain’s development and growth, making it quite useful in the routine. Therefore, spending some time making art or admiring it can boost your well-being. When contemplating on the meaning behind the artwork, it could improve your critical-thinking skills.
To my mind, it is extremely important to have some type of art in your life. Personally it is a huge part of my life. I adore watching films, going to museums, listening to music or just savouring the book under the blanket. Music helps me get away from it all and leap into the other dimension. Though I am rather not blessed with crafting skills, I try to make it. It softens my soul deeply. So even if you believe you are not that good, just try. There is no one particular way of making art. It is the way you define it.
Page design: Nadia Michalik
Bibliography
Decker, Scott H, and Glen D Curry. “Graffiti.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 7 Dec. 2017, www.britannica.com/art/graffiti-art. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Media, P. A. “Banksy Supports Black Lives Matter with Latest Artwork.” The Guardian, 6 June 2020,www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jun/06/banksy-black-lives-matter-latest-artwork. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Photo 1 - ️mashasdima. “Famous Movie Scenes.” Pinterest, 20 Dec. 2021, pl.pinterest.com/pin/634866878731090708/. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Photo 2 - Media, P. A. “Banksy Supports Black Lives Matter with Latest Artwork.” The Guardian, 6 June 2020, www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jun/06/banksy-black-lives-matter-latest-artwork. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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