Have you ever wondered why an artist is so powerful? Why is his first weapon, the paintbrush, and then methods of violence or other acts to control the masses, in the case of some of the world’s greatest revolutionaries? What makes an artist so influential even when without his paintbrush?
Take examples of Hitler, Eisenhower, Bal Thackeray, Franco, Queen Victoria, King Charles, Putin, Bush, inter alia - they can not be compared with each other, but they were/are powerful, influential, and artists.
This existence makes us dive deeper into what does an artist know about this world more or better than others, which allows him to rise to a God-like status even when his ideas may be controversial. How does he wield this chokehold over the populace that portrays him as a Godsent figure? Dear readers, in this essay we shall try to find some reasoning.
Who is An Artist?
Carl Jung defines an artist as a vessel through which the collective unconscious finds expression, revealing the depths of the human psyche in all its complexity and beauty. The artist is a bridge between the conscious and unconscious realms, channeling archetypal symbols and deep-seated emotions into transformative works of art that resonate with the depths of the soul. Through their creative endeavors, artists tap into the universal truths and collective experiences that connect us all, offering glimpses into the mysteries of existence and stirring the depths of our being. They have long held a unique position in society, their influence extending far beyond the realm of paint and canvas. While their creative expressions captivate and inspire, it is their ability to shape narratives, provoke emotions, and engage with the masses that grants them extraordinary power.
On the Paintbrush as a Catalyst for Influence:
The paintbrush, is the primary tool of an artist, serving as a metaphorical weapon, capable of conveying ideas and provoking very specific emotions. Through their artistic creations, artists possess the power to shape public opinion, challenge societal norms, and inspire change. In my essay, Springtime (1873) / Le Printemps – Pierre Auguste-Cot, A Case for Art & Love, I talk about how:
Art holds great meaning and has a very specific objective. It has the power to instill, express, and influence being. With the potential of renewal, rebirth, and verdantness, all of which are themes of this painting, Pierre manifests spring, into a desaturated world, through love.
The late 1800s saw the dawn of the prudish Victorian era. The painting depicts a sense of eroticism that is captured by the flow of the girl’s sheer dress, oftentimes well painted and the highlight of the GrecoRomans. Accentuating her innocence, yet sensual power, revealing her body. This act of beauty was a revolt against the (then) modern world. The beautiful girl is a metaphor for the first burgeoning of spring. A feature of beauty and life.
But the influence of an artist is not confined to the physical tools they employ. While their paintbrush or artistic medium may be the tangible means through which they express their creativity, their true power lies in their ability to craft narratives and tap into the collective consciousness of society.
Artists possess a unique talent for storytelling, weaving narratives that resonate with individuals on a profound level. Through their art, they communicate complex ideas, emotions, and experiences, transcending language barriers and cultural differences. The ability to tap into this collective consciousness, allows them to touch upon universal themes and shared human experiences, making their creations relatable and deeply impactful.
Through their narratives, artists have played the role of challenging the existing paradigms, questioning social norms, and provoking critical thinking. They offer alternative perspectives, presenting new possibilities and encouraging viewers to reconsider their own beliefs and assumptions. They shape public opinion, influence societal values, and drive meaningful change, the painting Springtime, being an apt example of the same.
Moreover, the ability of artists to tap into collective consciousness stems from their deep understanding of human psychology and the power of symbolism. They possess a keen intuition for the underlying currents of human emotion, often addressing universal themes such as love, loss, struggle, and hope. By speaking to these core aspects of the human experience, artists evoke profound emotions and forge deep connections with viewers, even if they may not know them personally.
In this sense, artists become conduits for the collective expression of society. They have an uncanny ability to articulate the unspoken desires, fears, and aspirations of the masses. By reflecting these sentiments in their work, artists provide a voice for the voiceless, shedding light on marginalized perspectives and amplifying the narratives that often go unnoticed or disregarded.
It is through this that artists become agents of change. They either stand with or challenge the status quo, provoke conversations, and inspire movements.
The Neuroscience of Similarity:
The remarkable overlap and shared similarity between the brains of artists and powerful leaders unveil fascinating insights into the intricate workings of human cognition and creativity. At the neural level, both artists and leaders exhibit heightened connectivity and activity in key brain regions, offering a glimpse into the underlying mechanisms of their exceptional abilities. Artists are said to have structurally different brains, categorized by an increase in gray matter. Gray matter refers to the tissue in our brain that contains neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses, and plays a crucial role in information processing and cognitive functions.
While it is true that certain brain regions with higher concentrations of grey matter are associated with specific cognitive abilities, it is an oversimplification to equate more grey matter with higher intelligence. Intelligence is a multifaceted construct that encompasses various cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and creativity, simultaneously these are the function of gray matter. What is so interesting about gray matter, relating it to the cognitive mechanisms of these world leader is
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