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Artists Are «Useless». 5 Reflections

Artists are «useless.» When faced with practical problems, no one turns to us. If someone is sick, they seek a doctor; if a vehicle breaks down, they call a mechanic; if there’s a legal issue, they hire a lawyer. These and many other professions provide clear answers, direct functions, and tangible results. But an artist? Why would anyone turn to a photographer, painter, writer, or musician when they need to solve an immediate problem?

In fact, in a world that values functionality and utility, our existence might seem irrelevant. To be honest, artists don’t build bridges, cure diseases, or produce technology that fuels the global economy. When people ask us what we do, our answers rarely satisfy their curiosity. And if they dare to ask if we make a living from it — as if living off art were a questionable privilege — we often don’t have a comfortable response. That question, strangely enough, is never posed to doctors, engineers, or lawyers. Those professions are assumed to be respectable and sustainable, while ours seems to live under constant scrutiny.

So then, what is the purpose of artists? What role do we play in the grand social machine?

MEASURING THE IMMEASURABLE

Art isn’t designed to operate within the logic of measurability. We often ask, perhaps with a touch of irony: What would humanity gain without Salvador Dalí, Beethoven, Akira Kurosawa, Frida Kahlo, Mario Benedetti, Robert Capa, or the Beatles and the Rolling Stones? What do street musicians, acrobats, puppeteers, clowns, or dancers contribute to a society obsessed with economic growth and productivity?

The truth is, in a world fixated on performance, our work can seem extravagant, even unnecessary. Artists don’t produce tangible goods or provide concrete solutions to day-to-day urgencies. We can’t fix a washing machine, negotiate a mortgage, or save a life in the emergency room.

But what if the purpose of art isn’t to solve problems, but to remind us that we are human?

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Freedom understood as a difference that unites and never as a difference that separates

The struggle for freedom and equality has been a fundamental pillar in the lives of women regardless of their cultural or religious origin. Two ways, of the many we can find, to express this freedom are manifested through the choice of clothing; on the one hand Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and on the other Western and also Muslim women who dress according to their personal preferences.

For Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, this choice represents an act of self-determination and faith. The hijab can be a symbol of religious identity, empowerment and connection with their beliefs. By choosing to wear it, these women exercise their freedom to decide how they wish to express their religion and values in a diverse world. Their choice to wear the hijab becomes a manifestation of their individuality and convictions, respecting and honoring their heritage and spirituality.

It should be noted that for the above to be true, this freedom must be real and not an obligation exercised by a patriarchy and macho customs disguised as individual choice. Perhaps it is suspicious that in the face of an alleged individual choice, the images we usually see where all women go with this garment.

At the same time, other Western and Muslim women also fight for their right to dress as they want, without restrictions or impositions. For them, clothing is a form of personal expression and a means to affirm their identity. By being able to choose their outfit, these women reaffirm their autonomy and demand respect for their individual choices. This approach respects the diversity of bodies, styles and preferences, and reflects the constant evolution of notions of femininity and fashion in modern society.

The importance of these two forms of freedom lies in mutual respect and tolerance towards personal choices. Women’s liberation does not have a single form or definition but encompasses a wide range of interpretations and perspectives. What is essential is that each woman has the ability to make informed decisions about how she wishes to dress and live her life. The common struggle for gender equality involves backing up and defending the autonomy of all women, regardless of their beliefs or cultural backgrounds.

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How I started this project

To begin creating my work, I seek inspiration in the everyday moments of life. I observe and get lost in anything, as if at that moment the rest of the world disappears and I center all my attention on it. And I always ask myself the same question: Why is it like this?

This time what left me totally fascinated was the metamorphosis that many animals undergo, and of course, the butterflies. So, I set out to create a series that would bring together that metamorphosis. Many abstract thoughts emerged in my head and I realized that not only butterflies are capable of that transformation, we all have that quality. The quality of change.

Life is a constant cycle of change and transformation.

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The Deep Intersection of Photography and Memory: A Thorough Examination of their Impact on Historical Perception and Cultural Identity

Photography, since its inception in the early 19th century, has not only revolutionized the way we capture moments but has also fundamentally shaped our understanding of the past, influencing how we remember events and construct both personal and collective identities. This article aims to delve deeply into the multifaceted relationship between photography and memory, exploring the nuanced ways in which photographic images influence our perception of history, the intricacies of memory formation, and the profound role they play in shaping cultural narratives and identities.

Photography as a Catalyst for Historical Perception

Photography serves as a dynamic conduit between the past and the present, offering a tangible glimpse into bygone eras. Through the lens of the camera, moments are immortalized, preserving the essence of time and allowing future generations to engage with history in a visceral and evocative manner. Beyond mere documentation, photographs imbue historical events with emotional resonance, forging a powerful connection between viewers and the past. Iconic photographs such as those depicting pivotal moments in history—whether it be the anguish of war, the jubilation of liberation, or the quietude of everyday life—serve as visual touchstones that not only inform but also provoke introspection and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience across time and space.