The artworks of different genres, styles and media are closely intertwined with the culture of their time, the artists that produced the works, and audience that experienced the works. In its broadest sense, art can represent virtually any aspect of culture, including politics, science and philosophy. This essay will examine how the artwork can reflect and shape our culture, and make a contribution to deeper understanding of particular cultural contexts through its portrayal of the particular culture.
In a very general sense, artwork can be understood to be a reflection of the culture in which it exists. Such works are often created to capture a sense of the values, beliefs and experiences of a particular period, in a way that is meaningful to a particular audience. These works may take on a variety of forms, such as paintings, sculptures and performance arts, which reflect the particular aspects of cultures or history. For example, Rococo paintings featured in France during the mid- to late-18th century reflected the materialistic and sensual aspects of French aristocratic culture at the time. Similarly, in the early 20th century avant-garde art, such as Dadaism, explored the disintegration of traditional bourgeois values and newly emerging notions of youth and rebellion.
As well as representing the values, beliefs and experiences of a particular period, artworks can also be sources of cultural identity. Depending on their content and medium, works of art can be used to express ideas and values that are meaningful to their creators or viewers. For example, graffiti art can be a means of personal expression, or a form of rebellion against established power structures. Likewise, native artwork often reflects aspects of a particular cultural identity, and opens up sometimes hidden or misunderstood aspects of that culture for public scrutiny and debate.
More recently, artwork has been used to document and explore the complex issues of our globalized world. Works such as the Brooklyn Museums exhibition of contemporary Mexican art, or Ai Weiweis politically-charged pieces exhibit both a reflection of a particular time, as well as a commentary on relevant social issues. Such works can encourage viewers to think more deeply about the issues in question, and provide opportunities to discuss and debate them in a safe and constructive environment.
Finally, artworks can be a powerful source of inspiration and education. By viewing the work of major artists over the centuries, we can gain a sense of the continuity of artistic production, across different cultures and throughout history. Moreover, we can also gain a sense of moving forward as a society, by observing new and innovative approaches to cultural engagement.
In conclusion, artworks of various genres, styles and mediums are profoundly intertwined with the culture in which they exist. Such works not only reflect and document aspects of a particular culture, but can also be used to express ideas and initiate important social debates. Through their powerful potential for education and inspiration, artworks can make a significant contribution to our understanding of particular cultural contexts, and our place in the world.
