The Case for Art in Our Lives

 

In less advanced times, in order to warn coal miners that methane gas was building up to lethal levels, a canary would be kept in a cage in the coal mine.  The tiny yellow bird, less resistant to the effects of gasses than a human, would expire early enough to warn the miners of the growing danger.  I've often thought that art (or other luxury purchases) are a fiscal version of the canary in the coalmine.  When economic hard times are approaching, art purchases are among the first things to go.  I mean, after all, who would make the case that art is a prudent purchase along the lines of food, clothing, or shelter?

And yet a strong case can be made for the very important role that art (in all its forms) plays in our lives.  While it may not be the survival essential that the above-mentioned necessities are, it enriches our lives in another, highly important way.  To realize art's value, imagine a world devoid of music, movies, theatre, novels, or the visuals that hang on our walls.  How desperately monotonous would the daily grind of work be without the soul-soothing, intellectually stimulating, often inspiring works of art that grace our lives?  

The current Covid pandemic, with its shuttering of public venues and relentless isolation, has illustrated the importance of art's offer of much-needed escapism.  What exactly would be the collective state of mental health across the land, if arts and entertainment hadn't been there to fill the endless hours of non-activity imposed upon us by nature's cruel indifference?

Art is a part of our world.  It defines us.  It lives in our proximate spaces along with us: the home, the car, the workplace.  It looks after our mental well-being in the same way that good diet does the physical.  And if this pandemic has shown anything, it's that art is no mere triviality to us.  

I'd be interested to hear your comments on this topic.  Also, if you are at all able, please consider continuing to support your favorite artists.