Art as Resistance: Reviving Human Conscience in the Age of Chaos

Over time, the world has been suffering from multifarious crises, including socio-economic, political, personal, and psychological ones. These have not only drained human beings but also tormented them both internally and externally. Genocides, wars, violence, and conflicts have left behind memories of loss, pain, regret, and bloodshed. As William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Unfortunately, we are still carrying the burden of history and, as a result, often lack the rationality to understand the nuanced nature of various situations and events. Everyone claims to be right and truthful without possessing a true conscience to discern right from wrong.

Capturing and experiencing the states of materialism and disruption within ourselves and in our surroundings has become increasingly evident. There is a need to pause and reflect – to introspect both ourselves and our environment. Unfortunately, today’s human being is living a life of deception. This, however, is a point worth pondering. We tend to believe that what we possess, what we carry, and what we desire are inherently right or true, without applying rational thought to them. A coin has two sides – what we see or wish to see is not always what is appropriate or right for us. Yet, as part of a materialistic world, human beings have lost their sense of conscience and continue to descend into irrationality day by day. Practices such as critical thinking, deep observation, and the pursuit of wisdom are now being overshadowed by artificial tools, relentless competition, and distorted perceptions.

“The culture of a civilization is the art and literature through which it rises to consciousness of itself and defines its vision of the world.” – Roger Scruton

The world today is immersed in an abundance of knowledge, information, and academic degrees, yet it often lacks the deep-rooted wisdom of the self and of the surrounding world. However, a well-developed and secure culture requires space for relativity, compassion, and humanity. To foster an environment of harmony and true civilization, we must turn to the culture of art and literature – where one can embrace the light of wisdom, the eye of conscience, the creativity of the human spirit, the enlightenment of nature, and the power of humanity.

In today’s fast-paced technological world, humans have become both skeptical and victims of AI. With easy access to global information, human consciousness has been overshadowed by illusions and disruption. In an era where everyone claims to be well-educated and well-established, why is society still lacking morally, psychologically, emotionally, and in terms of humanity?

Artificial intelligence has diminished the potential of human creativity. In today’s world, people often do not utilize their critical thinking; instead, they depend on artificial resources and tools, which unfortunately puts their skills into question. With the decline of human creative abilities, the case for making art needs to be addressed – especially when the world is in turmoil. Despite any advanced technology, art still holds the unique space of relativity and creativity to inspire change and foster harmony among human beings.

“Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him.” – Chinua Achebe

Here are some observations that highlight how one can relate to and explore the magic and inclusiveness of practicing art. It not only benefits an individual’s intellect and emotions, but it also works in mysterious and subtle ways. Art is free from constraints – an act of creation beyond boundaries. It allows one to sense and imagine change in their own unique way. The trajectory of art provides space to break open the cemented foundations of thought, perspective, and dialogue.

Art is also an act of shared communication, where the prosperity of an individual, culture, and society can be manifested. Apart from judgments, misinterpretations, and deception, art provides a space for enlightenment and compassion within the human mind and heart. In this era of superficial darkness, the conscience of human beings is trapped by worldly desires, and humanity has gradually become a puppet of materialism. The core of emotion, rationality, and authenticity is in decline, while falseness prevails.

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Albert Einstein

Unfortunately, today’s human is more concerned with progress, status, and appearances while lacking the core of moral values, dignity, and authenticity. The relentless materialistic race makes humans metaphorically blind and deaf to the realities of their surroundings. People may exist as individuals, but it takes much more to truly become human.

Keeping in view the resonance of art in human life, it is clear that there is not just one specific domain to explore – it can be practiced in many forms. Painting, drawing, sculpting, singing, writing – all carry their own value in expressing the beauty of art. Even a small act of creativity can capture someone’s attention. In a world full of noise and chaos, art preserves the essence of sensitivity and nurtures a sense of rationality. It testifies to the power of human imagination – the unique ability to dream, to project beyond the present, and to reflect on things not only as they are, but as they could or should be.

“The art of writing is to explain the complications of the human soul with the simplicity that can be universally understood.” – Alan Sillitoe

The art of writing holds the power of transformation, bringing enlightenment to society. A writer or a critic possesses the ability to convey wisdom and expressions of generosity into the reader’s mind. Evolutionary thoughts and diverse interpretations promote ideas of connection, prosperity, compassion, and celebration – transcending racism, corruption, insanity, and inhumanity. Recognizing the significance of art, academic disciplines should strengthen the inclusion of art-related discourse within academia. This not only benefits students academically but also helps them learn the foundations of humanism, while cultivating moral strength, critical thinking, and keen observation. Ultimately, it contributes to shaping them into better human beings.

Art no longer serves merely as “art for art’s sake,” but has also evolved into “art for life’s sake.” It provides a comprehensive space for dialogue, addressing and challenging the realities of social systems by offering a platform for expression, reflection, and resistance. Art gives voice to the voiceless and mirrors the complexities of society in multidimensional ways.

Throughout history, humanity has suffered and been subjected to racial, social, socio-economic, and political repercussions. However, art and literature have played a significant role in highlighting the hidden silences of the past through various forms of expression. Writings, novels, poetry, paintings, documentaries, and films reveal the often-ignored sides of reality, thereby capturing public attention, provoking thought, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Ultimately, works of art serve as a cry for freedom across generations, offering a space for healing and unity.

“Art and literature have given so many people the relief of feeling connected – pulled out of isolation. They have shown us that someone else has breathed, dreamed, loved, raged, and known loneliness the way we do.” – Adrienne Rich

Art functions as the barometer of society – a form of moral and intellectual resistance. Yet, the true power of art lies in its ability to bring sanity to a chaotic world. It does not matter how small the act of creating art may seem; it is both an individual and collective responsibility to acknowledge the legacy of human creativity beyond artificial constructs and resources.

In this age of distraction, anxiety, manipulation, hypocrisy, and falsehood, the world is in desperate need of stability, harmony, true conscience, mindfulness, and authenticity.

“There’s simply no polite way to tell people they have dedicated their lives to an illusion.” – Daniel Dennett

Now is the time for everyone to relearn, to reflect on their consciousness, to reshape distracted minds, and to seek the truth – a truth that may be bitter but leads to deep-rooted wisdom. It is a crucial moment to think clearly, listen carefully, see truthfully, speak sincerely, and exist authentically – beyond the boundaries of an illusionary world.

Maheen Waseem

The writer holds an MPhil in English Literature.

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