Art and Friendship: The Role of Art in Bringing People Together

Introduction: Art as a Social Connector

Past and present generations have manipulated artistic expressions to improve their social existence by making friends and traversing the world. Among the artists that have exhibited the social significance of art is Tina Modotti, an Italian photographer, model, actress, and political activist.

Art and Friendship: The Role of Art in Bringing People Together

Born in 1896 in Udine, Italy, Tina Modotti began her creative journey in photography to create social awareness on issues affecting societies before migrating to the U.S. at 16 to expand her artistic influence. Through her plays, poetry, and modeling activities, Modotti demonstrates how individuals can use art to make friends and create social settings that appreciate people for their uniqueness and abilities. Her photographic work, such as Worker’s Hands, illustrates how people can form enduring relationships with colleagues and modify their social setting to support and appreciate each other. Modotti’s activities focus on art and friendship, but her collaborations with other female artists also show how art can be used to appreciate the feminine gender, addressing various societal issues (Nehamas, 2007).

Art as a Political and Economic Tool

Art can also serve as a political tool, as evidenced by Modotti's engagement in political movements and demonstrations to voice different concerns. Additionally, art can be a means for economic sustenance due to its sustainability. According to earlier investigations, art plays a significant role in bringing people together and in using art to shun societal vices. Somerville (2001) argues that art is an important tool for uniting people in different settings. Ancient generations used creative art centers such as theaters to organize people who shared similar views about art to prepare them for a particular course regarding their concerns.

The Role of Art in Addressing Societal Vices

Art is significant in addressing societal vices such as violence, which dominate current communities. Similar to Modotti's partner Mella, who was assassinated for voicing injustices in the community, Somerville explains that many people have fallen victim to oppressive forces. Identifying and exposing individuals or groups that promote such forms of violence is crucial for restoring the role of art in creating peaceful and supportive societies. There are controversial interpretations regarding the types of companionship that art can create among individuals. While art and friendship refer to the mutual understanding that two or more artists exhibit with each other or societies, it can also refer to establishing movements comprising people with similar views on occurrences in their surroundings (Scott, 2003).

Art as a Tool for Group Formation and Intimate Connections

In addition to creating movements, Scott explains that people can manipulate art to form groups such as photographers and actors to counter issues affecting their societies based on their views and abilities. Further, artists can use their creativity to find intimate companions with whom they share common perceptions about the world and form families that champion the importance of art in their communities and the entire world. The historian’s views concerning art and friendship have evolved over time to portray the discipline as a crucial tool in forming enduring relationships in societies. According to Scott, art not only brings people together but also enables them to find a common purpose regarding their concerns (Scott, 2003).

Conclusion: Art as a Language of Social Change

Historians perceive art as a means of exploring people’s characters and behaviors in different societies to praise the good and shun the bad ones. Consequently, art is currently perceived as a form of language that individuals with similar views can use to address various issues in their societies. By understanding the multifaceted role of art, we can appreciate its ability to foster meaningful connections and promote social change.

• Nehamas, A. (2007). Art of Living: Socratic Reflections from Plato to Foucault. University of California Press.
• Scott, J. (2003). Art and Politics in a Modern World. Routledge.
• Somerville, J. (2001). The Role of Art in Society: A Historical Perspective. Cambridge University Press.