The world has gone completely digital, and the world during this pandemic has benefited from the internet’s handy-dandy service. Without the internet, the pandemic will be much worse than it already is given the difficulty in information dissemination and communicating with loved ones from a distance.
Art has become an essential part of our lives. We listen to music, make paintings, and watch movies to help cure our cabin fever and feelings of isolation. With the advent of modern-day technology, art has also shifted to digital means. From digital paintings to the now-controversial NFTs (non-fungible tokens), people all over the world have a variety of ways to make and appreciate various art forms.
Given this cultural shift in the art world, all this information on art will be put to waste if it is not documented. Art writers continue to document the proceedings of the art industry despite the ongoing pandemic. Art enthusiasts continue to post online about news and discussions about various issues in the art scene. It would even be handy to learn how to self-publish a book to be able to share the works of new artists and writers in the art community.
Getting into Digital Art
The ease of jumping into the world of digital art will depend on your eagerness and art background. Contrary to what some might believe, there is no magic behind digital art. Digital art software does not create the artworks by itself. The artists remain the sole creator of digital artworks, whether it be digital painting or 3D animation.
When you decide to get into digital art, you have to consider the tools you need to start. Although digital art is somehow more affordable than traditional art in the long run, you might still need to upgrade your current PC setup to accommodate the processors required to run certain digital art software.
While digital art and graphic design have transformed the context and purpose of art today, it does not imply that the digital arts have been slowly disregarding the quality and value of the traditional arts. They simply serve to complement each other in a world that has enough room for every artist to thrive.
Purpose of Art Amid a Pandemic
Art has always been fundamental to the human race. Expressing oneself in times of crisis is essential for us to process difficult thoughts and emotions that will otherwise be bottled up inside us. Art allows us to reflect on the current times as we try to survive every day. This COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of how art can make people more resilient to change and distress.
With everything that has been happening around us, art can serve as an escape from our struggles. Artists have the power to voice out their thoughts regarding certain issues, and these expressions allow us to harness a similar power to fight back and stand our ground. Being firm about one’s beliefs and values is essential, especially during times of crisis when the good shall prevail.
Creating and appreciating art can also help us process difficult life stages and experiences, such as grief, loss, and death. These are relevant themes today as many families continue to suffer and grieve the loss of their loved ones due to the global health crisis. Humans need to have a productive outlet to release these emotions to be able to let go and move on with their lives.
Art can also serve as a call for justice in times of need. Galleries are not the only places that artworks need to be in. Artworks need to be seen by many to be able to touch as many lives as possible. This can be done by installing art in the streets or through social media in making campaigns against injustice and other social issues.
Whether traditional or digital, artists leave a great impact in this world, and they should be valued more by the population.
Throughout Art History
Writing about art and its history is as important as the creation of art pieces itself. The documentation of art history and the context of art pieces will allow us to look back and study how certain historical periods have affected a given population. Much like how we study historical events, art history informs us of our humanity. By studying artworks in their historical context, we can be informed of how people lived before us and how we should look forward to the future.
Understanding various cultures will allow us to widen our perspective of the world. Whether we are studying the history of traditional art or digital art does not matter. Both types of art history will allow us to see how artists and nations have seen their world at the time, teaching us great lessons on how to manage new challenges in our lifetime.
Digital art and traditional art both have a place in this world, and it is time that we acknowledge their value.
