Artworks that Conveys Important Messages

By: Chloe Kang

Welcome back to school everyone! Some students might have been struggling to catch back the pace for school after a long winter vacation. As honor class and AP entrance exams are coming up, some students find it stressful. There are different ways to deal with stress and among many ways, taking an insight into artworks is a great way to take a break from stressing times.

During difficult times, artists often create works that reflect the struggles and challenges faced by society. Here are a few examples of paintings that convey important messages during hard times:

“Guernica” by Pablo Picasso (1937):

This painting is a powerful anti-war statement inspired by the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. Picasso used stark black and white tones to depict the chaos and suffering caused by the bombing. The painting’s central figures, including a bull, a horse, and a woman holding a dead child, represent the innocent victims of war. The fractured and distorted forms convey the sense of disorientation and trauma experienced by those affected by the violence.

“The Scream” by Edvard Munch (1893): This expressionist painting is a powerful depiction of anxiety and existential dread. The central figure, a person with their hands on their face, represents the universal experience of fear and despair. The swirling sky and distorted landscape convey a sense of chaos and uncertainty. The painting serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the need to confront our inner demons.

“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Katsushika Hokusai (1831): This iconic Japanese woodblock print depicts a giant wave threatening boats off the coast of Kanagawa. The painting serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The wave is a symbol of the challenges we face in life, and the boats represent our ability to navigate through them.

These paintings all convey important messages during hard times, whether it be the horrors of war, the resilience of the human spirit, or the importance of confronting our inner demons. They serve as reminders of the challenges we face as individuals and as a society, and the need to confront them with courage and determination.