Art is a hammer? Really, Karl Marx?
'Art is not a mirror to reflect the world, but a hammer with which to shape it.' (Karl Marx)
Actually, I don't fully agree with Karl. Ok, right... sometimes art is abused just to reflect the artist's opinion about a certain thing or to show certain people who behave in a way the artist dislikes how bad they are. Movies are more likely affected by that wagging finger, usually documentaries but also fictional movies. The problem is:
You can't change a bad thing just by pointing at it with a finger (or a camera). You have to show us how to make it better! To know what is bad is a good start at most. We need ALTERNATIVES to change the world! So far so good.
But do we also need to change the GOOD THINGS??
Well... a hammer can shape; a sickle can cut off... But something should stay the way they are, even need our protection!
I think art is a great mirror in many cases. A mirror to reflect the GOOD and BEAUTIFUL THINGS in our world to open our eyes and give us hope!
Just my 2 cents.
What do YOU think?
Is art a mirror or a hammer? Please drop your 2 cents below! 🙂