Expression of History, Frustration, and Hope through art

Expression of History, Frustration, and Hope through art

Art is a historical tool used by many generations to create change. Unlike other civilizations, art is the oldest mode of expression. Though there are variations, the principal objectives of art remain the same. The Harlem Renaissance is one of the historical art movement that did not only change the history of the black community but the entire nation. After the abolition of slavery, African Americans still lived under oppression as the levels of racism were high. The conditions forced them to move North West, where there were more opportunities with less discrimination. The journey had several challenges, and art played a critical role in encouraging the people to fight on for equal opportunities, politically and economically. The great migration offers an opportunity to assess the significance of art in telling the history, frustration, and keeping the people motivated for a better future.

The art of every community do vary depending on their history and culture. Every group can present different paintings and songs depending on the past experience. During the great migration, the people were just freed from slavery and still live in harsh condition. That is why some of the arts were of people tied in chains or with broken chain. These images served as motivation for them to fight for their right to prevent such humiliations. Moreover, the paintings informed their generations and scholars of what happened during slavery. Since most slaves were not allowed to gain literary skills, art was the only option to records their troubles during slavery.

Despite the development of technology and improvement in writing skills, arts still play a crucial role in preserving history. Songs or pictures have the ability to take the viewer back to the events. Art creates a closer image of what happened, as opposed to written material whose imagination depend on the creativity of the reader. However, modern art is advance and besides paintings, it is possible to record and video or audio and play it latter generation. Songs and cultural practices are today preserved in archive and they will assist in telling the future generation what happened.

Apart from telling history, art is also essential in expressing frustration. The African American had been released from slavery during the Harlem Renaissance. However, that did not change their life as the White were quick to regain dominance and denied the African American essential services. These frustration formed the foundation of the great migration and search for better life. Using art to express their frustration was necessary for them to embrace life and believe in their course. Emotions help in adding color and texture to experiences and making them meaningful. Without the expression of frustration, the future generations or scholars would not understand the magnitude of the challenges.

The modern society still have many frustration especially among the youth and minority. These groups may not have a legal or political power to express their concerns. However, art remains an open avenue for people to air their concerns. There are movies, music, or graffiti that condemn the evils in society and oppression. Unlike other avenues, art is simple to understand and other people experiencing the same problem can easily identify with the music or movie. Moreover, art has the power to create a movement that will stand with the oppressed.

Art also makes an essential tool to keep people hoping for a better future. During the Harlem Renaissance, the people had moved from slavery and were trying to build the African American Identity. However, the great depression was also facing the nation. There was need for something they could identify with and hope for better times. The people used folk materials to celebrate and document their cultural heritage, which became a source of inspiration. The songs appealed to masses who joined the struggle for economic, cultural, and social equality. Music has a unique mechanism of agitating emotions and rooting for support of a given course. Moreover, art is often accompanied in many functions that call for people to fight for what they believe.

The use of art in the Harlem Renaissance had significant change to the entire nation. Before the movement, America had lots of similarity with Europe. The quest for self-determination gave the US its identity. Moreover, the movement is responsible for the celebrated cultural diversity in America. After end of slave trade, some assimilationists tried to reduce cultural difference by forcing the African American to take white identity. However, the movement fought for equality but still maintained the cultural heritage.