WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ARTIST? THE BIG QUESTION OF "WHAT FOR" AND "WHY"?

During my time teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, my students often questioned the role of artists in our world. In my view, the artist's role is to illuminate the complexity of existence. Unlike political rhetoric, religious doctrines, or dogmatic ideologies, which often simplify and distort reality to fit specific agendas or beliefs, artists strive to reveal the multifaceted nature of our world.

Political rhetoric frequently reduces complex issues to binary choices or slogans, aiming to persuade or mobilize rather than to explore nuance. Similarly, religious and ideological dogmas can impose rigid frameworks that simplify the complexities of human experience into clear-cut truths. These approaches often neglect the subtleties and contradictions inherent in our world, which can lead to a diminished understanding of the richness and diversity of life.

In contrast, artists emphasize the intricate interconnections and layered dimensions that constitute our reality. They challenge reductive narratives by presenting diverse perspectives, exploring ambiguities, nuances, and different shades of gray. Through their work, artists uncover and highlight how various elements—emotional, social, cultural, and environmental—are thoughtfully intertwined, encouraging a more nuanced and pluralist vision of our existence.

By engaging with art, we are invited to see beyond surface-level interpretations and to appreciate the depth and interconnectedness of the world around us. Artists provide a mirror to the complexity of our lives, prompting us to reflect, question, and ultimately, embrace the richness of our shared reality.

And that's exactly why artists are dangerous and why political and religious apparatuses fear them: they have the power to challenge, question, and drive change in profound and impactful ways.