The Role of Artists in Today’s World: A Psychological and Cultural Exploration by Vikash Roy 

 

“We are all going to die.”

 

This stark statement grabs our attention immediately, much like the artists who disrupt, provoke, and inspire us through their work. Yet, amidst the noise of a world dominated by fleeting digital content and shrinking attention spans, the artist’s role has grown more complex. In today’s society, where authenticity often competes with virality, we must ask: what is the role of an artist, and why do we need them now more than ever?

 

Understanding the Artist

 

To understand the role of artists, we must first ask, who is an artist? While society often associates art with visual masterpieces or musical symphonies, the artist’s essence transcends specific mediums.

 

An artist is a visionary, someone who transforms emotions, experiences, and ideas into creative expressions that resonate with others. Whether through painting, writing, filmmaking, or even gardening, artists tap into the universal human experience. They articulate feelings we may struggle to express ourselves and unite us by exploring our shared joys, sorrows, and complexities.

 

From a psychological perspective, artists play a crucial role in emotional validation and catharsis. Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist, argued that art emerges from the collective unconscious—a deep reservoir of archetypes, symbols, and emotions shared by all humans. Artists, in a sense, act as mediators between this unconscious realm and the conscious world, giving form to the formless. This ability to channel and express collective experiences is what makes their work deeply impactful.

 

The Artist as a Mirror of Society

 

Throughout history, artists have served as chroniclers, critics, and catalysts for change. Their work often reflects the spirit of their times, documenting struggles, victories, and cultural shifts. The French novelist Émile Zola famously said, “Art is a corner of nature seen through a temperament.” In this way, art becomes both personal and universal, shaped by the artist’s unique lens while resonating with society at large.

 

Consider historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Rabindranath Tagore. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is not just a painting; it is an exploration of human expression, curiosity, and mystery. Similarly, Tagore’s poems and songs captured the ethos of a nation striving for independence, giving voice to both individual and collective yearnings. Whether through Picasso’s abstract interpretations of war or Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary poetry, artists have always been at the forefront of societal transformation.

 

The Impact of Art on Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, art holds therapeutic power for both creators and audiences. Psychologists often emphasize the importance of self-expression in maintaining emotional well-being. Art therapy, for instance, uses creative processes to help individuals cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression. According to The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, creating art can facilitate healing by integrating fragmented memories and emotions, helping people feel whole again.

 

This holds true not only for individuals but also for society at large. When we engage with art—whether by reading a novel, listening to music, or watching a film—we experience what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls “flow.” This state of deep immersion allows us to momentarily escape stress, find clarity, and connect with something greater than ourselves. In this way, art becomes a collective salve for a world grappling with uncertainty and division.

 

The Rise of Social Media and the Artist’s Dilemma

 

In the digital age, the artist’s role has evolved yet again. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have democratized creativity, enabling anyone with a smartphone to share their work with a global audience. This has blurred the lines between traditional artists and digital creators, raising questions about authenticity, value, and purpose.

 

While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for exposure, they also introduce new challenges. The race for likes, shares, and followers can incentivize content designed for virality rather than depth. As a result, many creators fall into the trap of superficiality, producing work that caters to fleeting trends rather than meaningful exploration.

 

Yet, amidst this noise, true artists continue to shine. They use these platforms not as an end but as a means to reach audiences, educate, and inspire. A poet in Mumbai can share haikus with readers in Tokyo; a dancer in Cape Town can connect with enthusiasts in Paris. In this sense, social media has become a bridge, allowing art to transcend geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.

 

The Artist as a Keeper of Values

 

At its core, art remains a vessel for preserving and challenging values, offering a moral compass in times of uncertainty. Artists are the keepers of cultural memory and the challengers of societal norms. In a world driven by consumerism and immediacy, they remind us of the timeless truths that define our humanity. Whether by critiquing injustice or celebrating resilience, art encourages us to reflect on who we are and who we want to become.

 

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “We have art in order not to die of the truth.” This poignant statement underscores art’s role in helping us confront uncomfortable realities in ways that inspire rather than overwhelm. For example, George Orwell’s 1984 warns us about the dangers of authoritarianism, while Maya Angelou’s poetry gives voice to resilience in the face of oppression. These works serve as moral and emotional touchstones, offering guidance and hope during turbulent times.

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, art holds therapeutic power for both creators and audiences. Psychologists often emphasize the importance of self-expression in maintaining emotional well-being. Art therapy, for instance, uses creative processes to help individuals cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression. According to The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, creating art can facilitate healing by integrating fragmented memories and emotions, helping people feel whole again.

 

This holds true not only for individuals but also for society at large. When we engage with art—whether by reading a novel, listening to music, or watching a film—we experience what psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls “flow.” This state of deep immersion allows us to momentarily escape stress, find clarity, and connect with something greater than ourselves. In this way, art becomes a collective salve for a world grappling with uncertainty and division.

 

The Rise of Social Media and the Artist’s Dilemma

 

In the digital age, the artist’s role has evolved yet again. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have democratized creativity, enabling anyone with a smartphone to share their work with a global audience. This has blurred the lines between traditional artists and digital creators, raising questions about authenticity, value, and purpose.

 

While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for exposure, they also introduce new challenges. The race for likes, shares, and followers can incentivize content designed for virality rather than depth. As a result, many creators fall into the trap of superficiality, producing work that caters to fleeting trends rather than meaningful exploration.

 

Yet, amidst this noise, true artists continue to shine. They use these platforms not as an end but as a means to reach audiences, educate, and inspire. A poet in Mumbai can share haikus with readers in Tokyo; a dancer in Cape Town can connect with enthusiasts in Paris. In this sense, social media has become a bridge, allowing art to transcend geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries.

 

The Artist as a Keeper of Values

 

At its core, art remains a vessel for preserving and challenging values, offering a moral compass in times of uncertainty. Artists are the keepers of cultural memory and the challengers of societal norms. In a world driven by consumerism and immediacy, they remind us of the timeless truths that define our humanity. Whether by critiquing injustice or celebrating resilience, art encourages us to reflect on who we are and who we want to become.

 

Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “We have art in order not to die of the truth.” This poignant statement underscores art’s role in helping us confront uncomfortable realities in ways that inspire rather than overwhelm. For example, George Orwell’s 1984 warns us about the dangers of authoritarianism, while Maya Angelou’s poetry gives voice to resilience in the face of oppression. These works serve as moral and emotional touchstones, offering guidance and hope during turbulent times.

Take the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. During lockdowns, people turned to art in unprecedented ways—streaming music, watching films, participating in virtual museum tours, and even creating their own works. Art became a lifeline, helping individuals cope with isolation and uncertainty. This highlights what psychologist Abraham Maslow described in his hierarchy of needs: beyond basic survival, humans crave self-expression, connection, and transcendence—needs that art uniquely fulfills.

 

Moreover, art fosters collective healing. Public murals honoring frontline workers, songs written in solidarity, and literature exploring shared grief all contribute to communal resilience. By giving shape to our emotions, art helps us process trauma and envision a brighter future.

 

The Intersection of Art and Activism

 

Another vital role of artists today is as agents of change. Activist art—works created to inspire social or political transformation—has a long and storied history. From the protest songs of the 1960s to the climate-focused installations of modern artists, creative expressions have the power to mobilize movements and spark dialogue.

 

This connection between art and activism is grounded in psychological theories of persuasion and social influence. According to the elaboration likelihood model, emotionally engaging messages are more likely to persuade and inspire action. Art, with its ability to evoke powerful emotions, becomes a natural vehicle for advocacy.

 

Consider the works of Banksy, whose street art critiques capitalism and war, or Ai Weiwei, whose installations address human rights and political freedom. These artists use their platforms to challenge the status quo and amplify critical issues, proving that art can be both a mirror and a hammer—a tool for reflection and a force for change.

 

The Artist as a Custodian of Hope

 

Finally, the most enduring role of an artist is to offer hope. In a world where despair often feels omnipresent, art reminds us of the beauty, resilience, and potential within humanity. Whether through a painting that captures the serenity of nature or a song that uplifts our spirits, artists guide us toward optimism.

 

Hope, as a psychological construct, is more than wishful thinking. According to positive psychology, hope involves setting goals, identifying pathways to achieve them, and maintaining the motivation to follow through. Artists, through their work, help us imagine new possibilities and believe in a better tomorrow.

 

For instance, the music of Bob Marley continues to inspire generations with its messages of love and unity, while the poetry of Rumi transcends centuries, offering wisdom and solace. These creations endure because they speak to our deepest yearnings for connection, purpose, and joy.

 

Conclusion: The Artist’s Everlasting Legacy

In today’s fast-changing, attention-driven world, the artist’s role is more important than ever. They are the keepers of culture, the chroniclers of human experience, and the architects of collective hope. Whether challenging injustices, fostering empathy, or simply bringing beauty into our lives, artists enrich the human journey in ways that few other roles can.

 

As individuals, we can support this vital work by valuing authenticity over virality, depth over superficiality, and passion over profit. Whether you are an artist yourself or someone who appreciates their work, remember this: art is not a luxury—it is a necessity. It nourishes our souls, connects us to one another, and reminds us of the infinite possibilities within ourselves.

 

So, as we navigate this journey of life, let us cherish the artists among us. Let us honor their courage, celebrate their creativity, and embrace the truths they reveal. For in their work, we find not only reflections of our world but also glimpses of what it could become.

Vikash Roy, known by his pen name Raisahab, is a poet, author, and storyteller. Hailing from Saharsa, Bihar, he completed his schooling at Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum. He pursued his engineering degree at the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications. You can check out his latest book - Once I was Alive - Rai Sahab on all leading book platforms. Vikash can be reached at royvikash247@gmail.com.