During the TED talk, “Can art amend history?”, artist Titus Kaphar brings to light the inequality in art history. He discusses how the depictions of the past throughout sculptures and paintings impacts us. However, he states that we must not erase this history, but amend it. Right from the start, Kaphar brings up how he loves museums, especially the Natural History museum. One day he brought his kids to the museum, and they approached the famous sculpture of Teddy Roosevelt on a horse with a Native American to one side of him and an African American on the other. Out of nowhere, his son asks why he gets to ride but they have to walk. This took Kaphar aback as he realized that there was significant amount of history behind that sculpture. It represents the way life was like back then. Kaphar uses his passion for art history to make meaningful art that battle with the harsh past yet also emphasizes the advancements of modern day.
In Rhys Southan’s essay, “Is Art a Waste of Time?”, he discusses the role that art plays in the world, and allows the readers to critically think about this concept. Southan submerges himself into Effective Altruism, whose ideas and beliefs contradicts most of his views. Effective Altruists do not believe that art has a place in this world, and that it does not help anybody the way that actual money and donations do. They think that artists do not contribute to reducing suffering, and are just wasting their time by not helping the world. Southan somewhat understands their point of view and what they mean. However, in the end, he holds his ground and says that for now he is not going to give up on his dreams and passion.
Southan’s and Kaphar’s ideas on art connect at some level. Kaphar strongly believes that art history is very important for our nation’s culture and value. Even though the past was harsh, he thinks that the paintings and sculptures that depict it as such should remain, but be amended. He does not believe in erasing history because it is crucial for our knowledge of realizing where we came from and how we got to this point. This connects with Southan’s question if art has a place in the world, because it can represent our history and values. I agree with both Southan and Kaphar in the way that art is beneficial and has a voice in this world. I believe that without art and its history, we would be lost. Any piece of art tells a story that may have a hidden meaning or truth. I say that it is important for artists to continue to make art so that in a couple hundred years, or any time in the future, people will always be able to look at the past by viewing art.
Nikki,
You do a great job describing Kaphar’s TED talk and Southan’s text.
You’ve noted the power behind the right anecdote, as you’ve taken the time to describe Kaphar’s trip to the museum. Notice how he chose to present the greater conversation via this personal anecdote (or story). Keep up the good work!
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