Contemporary Art and Political Violence: The Role of Art in the Rehabilitation and Healing of Communities Affected by Political Violence

Abstract

This paper will investigate how contemporary artists who use political violence as a subject matter in their work explain the relationship between art and that form of violence. Referring to interviews with Anita Glesta and George Gittoes, the potential of art as a means of healing communities and individuals affected by terrorism will be explored, alongside related issues of voyeurism, sensationalism and commercialism in art. The study will refer to the ideas of Collingwood and Tolstoy, chosen so as to represent two main schools of thought regarding artistic responsibility & morality and the appropriate intentions of artists. I will explain that both theories can be applied harmoniously to contemporary practise, to the understanding of the role and responsibility of contemporary artists, and discourse around the wider social value of contemporary art.

The Political Factors that affect Contemporary Art in the Arab world, Descriptive Analytical Study

“…Additionally, it would lose its value if it moved away from the main goal. And Marcuse, a philosopher, noted that art was essential in contemporary communities, and he confirmed the revolution of this art and the role it played in the contemporary issues in its community (Spens, 2013). Where the political situations were considered as among the most prominent issues and situations that affect and affected contemporary art in the world in general and the Arab world in particular, due to many of the difficult political events.…”

The Political Dimension in Arab Contemporary Art through the Marcuse Aesthetic Theory: A Descriptive Analytical Study

“…confirms that there is a transformation of the form of contemporary art and its role in the presentation of contemporary political and social issues.He states, "The art found its significance through the philosophical and cognitive issues and out of the border and the framework, and it must express political and social issues." While Marcuse noted that art was essential in contemporary societies, and he confirmed the revolution of this art and the role it played in the contemporary issues in its community without matching the reality (Spens, 2013).…”