Essays on Air: can art really make a difference?
Before the early 19th century, war was commonly depicted as a heroic venture, while death was both noble and surprisingly bloodless. Then came Goya with his collection of etchings called Disasters of War to show the full horror of what Napoleon inflicted on Spain, during the Peninsular War from 1808 to 1814. The art showed, for the first time, the suffering of individuals in the face of military power.
On today’s episode of Essays on Air - the audio version of The Conversation’s Friday essay series - Conversation intern Sybilla Gross is reading my essay on the transformational power of art in our collective social conscience.
Through countless wars and humanitarian crises, art has always depicted the crimes of our times.
Putting aside whether or not art can actually change the world, there is always an important message it conveys - should we choose to listen. Maybe, that is all we can ask of it.
Today’s episode was recorded and edited by Sybilla Gross. Find us and subscribe in Apple Podcasts, in Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Additional Audio
I Am a Man Who Will Fight for your Honor by Chris Zabriskie
Unfoldment, Revealment, Evolution, Exposition, Integration, Arson by Chris Zabriskie
Hibernation by Sergey Cheremisinov
The Answer by British Council (film)
Arctic Shooting Training by qubodup
Explosion by Omar Alvadaro
Moans and Screams by qubodup
Chaos and Screams (2013) by Iwan Gabovitch
Modern Day War by Omar Alvarado
Last Post by Benboncan link text
Life in the 30s - McGraw Hill Films
Small clap by kellieskitchen
Crowd waiting Menin Gate 2016 by Stitlown
Gasp 4 by jayfrosting
Cicadas/wind by dobride
Riots (Leipzig) by pillonoise
Screaming Crowd by magician5
Waves crashing by Ali_6868
Female sobbing by Idalize
Burning Air by sergeeo
Human Flow (Trailer) - Amazon Studios, Participant Media and AC Films
Street noise by smellor123
Sitar and Tabla Duo by Bruce Miller
Joanna Mendelssohn has received funding from the Australian Research Council for Design and Art of Australia on Line and for a Linkage Project on exhibitions of Australian art.
Authors: Joanna Mendelssohn, Honorary Associate Professor, Art & Design: UNSW Australia. Editor in Chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, UNSW...
