The Pandemic's Impact on Modern Art
I, like many people, have labeled the COVID-19 pandemic and how it’s defined the new “normal” as nothing but a problem and major setback. Online school, social distancing rules, and being unable to enter a store because you forgot your mask at home are all everyday obstacles we’re dealing with. However, there are still positives that can be drawn from the virus’s connection with modern art. Many of these are things I overlooked. The pandemic has caused people to reshape numerous aspects of their lives. Change isn’t easy but it’s situations like these that play a major role in shaping modern culture and the subject of modern art. It has forced new forms of communication and lots of creative thinking. The pandemic has also inspired many to try new things as they now have the free time while stuck at home.
At first, the outbreak was catastrophic for the arts. But as time went on, more imaginative solutions were created to bring entertainment to the people in the confinement of their homes. Jackson Lane Arts Centre in North London has introduced online shows and classes where performers can do their jobs on screen. This offers a way to take peoples’ minds away from what’s going on and draw a positive cultural shift out of the newfound isolation (Lovett). Modern art goes hand-in-hand with this change in culture, adapting to it as we do. It’s presented in new ways and even inspired by the current circumstances, original works such as “El Cadejo” are a direct result of the effects of the pandemic. The copious amount of free time can leave us with not much else to do but think creatively.
We’re all pretty much stuck inside. These limitations and changes have led to the development of new hobbies and methods to deal with the stresses of life. Activities can be anything from “treadmill dancing” to listening to music and getting in touch with other creative outlets. The goal is to keep a positive mindset and find something you enjoy to incorporate into your routine. “Instead of viewing the pandemic as the ‘worst thing that's ever happened’ … it can be helpful to see an opportunity for understanding what's most important in our lives” (Ruiz). The COVID-19 outbreak is just the latest modern issue that has impacted the arts and our culture. This new norm certainly isn’t permanent nor will it be the last event that shifts the way we experience art.
Hello Brandon, I like your perspective that you took on COVID-19 as it relates to the arts which wouldn't have been my first field to think of within the areas of society it affects but makes complete sense. Where seizing the opportunity instead of getting down with being locked within your home is the best methodology to mentally survive, but unfortunately did not really go down that path and spent my time relaxing playing games as I generally didn't have time during the semester.
ReplyDeleteHey Brandon, I do agree with what you said about how the pandemic has been the new "normal" and how it's been affecting many people myself included and it's not something we were ready for. Personally I have been fine with the pandemic but it has been affecting parts of my family which does suck. COVID has changed many cultural events and I think it's a shame how many events have to be cancelled.
ReplyDeleteHey Brandon. I agree with the idea that people grew accustom to the pandemic and the idea that people thought of this as the "worst thing that's ever happened." I for the most part sat and did nothing throughout this pandemic, but it made me see things in myself that without having this happen I never would have thought of or appreciated for. This whole series of events that happened throughout the year have been negative without a doubt, but I feel like I have come out better in some ways. There's more to work on but it's one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteHey Brandon, I agree with the whole perspective you have on how COVID-19 has directly affected a lot of culture and art at the moment. It is a definitive moment in our culture and that has to be embodied in art from now and even after time passes. It's kind of like how people still make art about the black plague, if you remember the whole ring around the rosie nursery rhyme being an interpolation of the black plague, art has a weird way of staying along of the ride even though culture shifts.
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