Artist In Society

Where does an artist fit into society? Does an artist have a role in society in which they must contribute? John Lennon once said "My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all." This is a good quote because it tells us that artist are not trying to guide our thinking or persuade it, but express emotion and feeling in all of us.

Asking an artist to define their purpose is like asking a person why they exist. Sometimes it is just a process of faith.  Sometimes it can be some unknown reason that is revealed at a later date or never at all. Although it may be created for any number of reasons, artist must still find funding to continue their work. They must, in turn, make art that is more appealing to society, such as people, places, and scenery. Some may view this as the propaganda side of art, but who is to say what is propaganda and what is art.

All throughout history, art has been used to start a revolution, announce solidarity, or pave the way for change. It evokes new thoughts and ideas into individuals in a culture. It may also illustrate a wider direction for society. Some artist feel that political engagement gives purpose to their art as well as a lesson in a political struggle and in the struggle with personal meaning and purpose.  I believe this is apparent in Ono's character in the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro named "An Artist of the Floating World".

In this novel, Ono is an artist who paints, what we find out, may be pieces of propoganda during the time of World War II.  He believes that this type of art is more tangible and serves an important purpose rather than beautiful scenery or abstract art. This is apparant in this short exerpt:

"I have learnt many things over these past years. I have learnt much in contemplating the world of pleasure, and recognizing its fragile beauty. But I now feel it is time for me to progress to other things. Sensei, it is my belief that in such troubled times as these, artists must learn to value something more tangible than those pleasurable things that disappear with the morning light. It is not necessary that artists always occupy a decadent and enclosed world. My conscience, Sensei, tells me I cannot remain forever an artist of the floating world." (pg. 180)

This short piece shows that Ono cannot remain an artist of the floating world, that is, a world of abstract and imaginative variation of art. He is ready to move on and create art which has tangible meaning to either people or a country.

Another piece helps reinforce this idea when Ono's master Matsuda is in conversation with Ono about this matter:

"Together, it is within our capability to achieve something of real value. It just so happens that some of us care deeply about art and wish to see it responding to the world of today.The truth..........it is simply not enough for an artist  to hide away somewhere , perfecting  pictures of courtesans."(pg. 172)

I believe he is trying to tell Ono that he is a very talented artist and does not need to feel that art must be used to influence thoughts and ideas into a person's mind. This is certainly not the main role or purpose of an artist in society.  Overall, I believe that an artist must define his/her own role in society, rather it be to influence thoughts and ideas into individuals such as in Ono's case, or to fill an individual with emotion and promote new thoughts.