Why art is important | Katerina Gregos | TEDxGhent

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Katerina Gregos is convinced that contemporary art has an important role to play in society, as one of the last frontiers of free expression. Today, artists and cultural practitioners, rather than politicians, are leading some of the key discussions about the state of the world. Contemporary artists challenge each and every one of us to reinterpret social and political events, and crack cemented opinions as well as dominant narratives propagated by the media and those in power. As an internationally respected curator, Katerina has curated a number of exhibitions dedicated to exploring the relationship between art, politics, democracy, the new global production circuits, and human rights. Let yourself be inspired by Katerina’s talk at TEDxGhent 2014, and find out what contemporary art can contribute to society.

Independent curator and exhibitions organiser

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[fizzydizzystudios]

Everyone seems to be watching this for school. I mean so am I except I found this on my own as research for a project. And as an aspiring artist I felt really touched by this. Certainly one of my favourite TED talks and definitely one I will come back to watch in the future!

[KingOfDank]

It baffles me how so many people have no idea what goes into art. That most people only see the surface of art, as drawing or painting and doesnt take a second thought to question what else goes into it. Art is everything, created with science, research, literature, critical thinking, anaylsis, courage, emotion, philosophy, psychology and social structure. It would be impossible to explain the importance of art in one lecture. Yet i am glad we are making an effort.

[rosepierrefromkentucky]

I had to watch this for a college class

[tatianaepancha]

I love especially this bit: "Art is a subtle power that changes the world one perception at a time"

[solennesonger]

Why does art always have to critic society and attempt to start a revolution to be valid? I find the art that exposes the beauty of life leaves more of an impression on me. I think there is enough doom and gloom in the news and in society to begin with, we should give praise to artists who are brave enough to move against the current of negativity and instead create artwork that inspires people to be happy and look for the good in the world.

I understand that there is a place for art that calls for change and represents important issues, but we shouldn't write off art that chooses instead to spread positivity. The old masters and most distinguished pieces of artwork didn't have to cry wolf to be considered valid. Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is still art. The Mona Lisa is still art. The Kiss is still art. If the art world had always adhered to the standards she speaks about in this video, then most of the art world's beloved paintings today would be considered useless.

[saketg]

Art gives expression to what cannot be logically expressed, thereby expanding human horizons which would otherwise be confined into dull 3 dimensional reality bound by time.

[megbeasterfield]

I ... am surprised to find how much of her speech I disagree with, despite getting my BFA soon and conducting my senior thesis research on these central topics of the impacts of art. Art is not guaranteed to be wielded responsibly, ethically, or for all of these lovely ideals that she suggests it is. Not in the slightest. It /can/ be impactful and in many great instances it has influenced societal ideal shifts and revolution— but only when artists and viewers interact with a work with intent to bring about these results. And that is assuming that those intents are for such ideals as she holds at all. Art is a tool, a means to an end— be it societal change or an attempt to escape from society all together— but it is not possible for it to bring about these ends by itself. Just as a hammer is no use in building a house without a hand to wield it or a nail in wood for it to strike, so too can art be wielded to build something greater when used by a hand to make an effect and an object to receive that effect. Moreover I think it is nearly dangerous and irresponsible to not teach artists the ability of their work to have an effect, the ability of their hands to wield hammers, the ability of hammers to strike nails, and the ability of a nail to be struck. To simply list art as an ends to be put on a mysterious and ephemeral pedestal rather than a means of great impact creates woefully ill-prepared students of art, ill-informed influencers of its ability to be practiced, and does us the great disservice of removing the agency of artists within their own works. Artists are not independently operating free floating individuals who are understanding of opposing views, as she suggests. They are inherently rooted in their own biases, realized and unrealized, that can impact and influence their creative works and endeavors. They are not gods, above it all, instead they are active players and participants, with a particularly powerful set of tools at their hand. Art without people to make it and people to interpret it is worth absolutely nothing.

[davidmauney]

Art is an indirect form of communicate

[Najobajo]

Watching this for myself, no college. Just realizing now I've been in my career but have never taken an art class after 4th grade. Might be a good video for some direction for artistic expression for myself vs technical execution for work.

[el-mehdibenchaib]

I like the expression of Antony Gormley saying about art that it makes the world. Yes, that piece of paper, song, poems and whatever can change the world, even goes to make one.

[barbarabelmore]

Art occupies a different dimension and is the portal to it. The creativity and unexplainable concepts create the future and perhaps the past. It can be political or not (or thought to be). Support the arts.

[miakim]

this was so good! I'm an artist and love art, but I was wondering if art had a real use! this video reminded me how art changes people and minds, it helped me to remember why I love art, and why I want to continue drawing and improving! thank you so so much! :)

[djnima]

art is not a separating factor between humans and other animals. there are certain animals like the birds of paradise or certain fish that specifically focus on beauty in creating their homes but that is with the intention of attracting mates, and so are their mesmerizing and gorgeous dance performances and mating rituals.

[AdrianRodriguez-tmqj]

The part where she says "Artistic imagination and creativity are not added bonuses for society, not the icing on the cake, they are integral to the human spirit and to human aspirations" reminds me of The Kybalion: "The world is mental" meaning that we are creative beings by nature.

[inessamaria]

Great speech! I like when the speaker only talks, clean, simply and so efficient. Beautiful!

[ambervoid]

Art is an escape - that's why i love it

[jfr]

I just love the fact that she completely misinterprets the ending quote of Oscar Wilde's preface, which is literally preceded by
"One can be excused for making a useless thing only if he admires it profusely."

[lionkingfan]

Art is great, Art is good
Let us thank Art for our food

[szeicvq]

Art changes the world on a micro level...

[mariazamora]

Art is the heart or the root of creation, or the capacity to create. In my perspective everything is Art.