Making Art in Times of War & Suffering

For a long while now, I have been brooding on the question of the role of art during times of intense suffering–whether it be firsthand experience or peripherally. Like the war in Gaza–a war so far yet brought to our attention daily on our screens. I think—what can art do, if anything, to ease the suffering?

Looking back at my journal entries, one labeled 10/5/23, it appears I had already pretty much given up on writing on the daily. I had also lost interest in reading; even before the attack on Israel, I wrote that I had already been taking an extended break from writing, and focusing on drawing, because I had lost my desire to write daily or at all; I could no longer write anything that could satisfy my desire to feel significant, or to connect with people enough for them to want to give a care. So I began focusing my energies on art: drawing and painting. Doing so does give me a sense of satisfaction, even if no one else sees what I create. But this brings me back to the question of the role of art in the face of war and suffering. What is the usefulness of a chosen profession like writing or making art? Could I be doing something more useful like participating in activism? Even if one makes art that directly interrogates warfare and other abuses of power, could that energy be better used? Does art need to console or to enact change?

Here is a link to an article in Estonian World with responses from various artists on this question:

What role does art serve in times of war and suffering?

Of all the responses, one that really resonated with me was the one by Anna Kouhkna, Estonian painter, illustrator and photographer, who, in reference to the war in Ukraine said, “When all this started happening, I lost my appetite for making art. I was devastated and read the news 24/7, putting all my emotions into it, almost hoping that my sadness, anger, compassion and attention could help in some way.” She decided to tune out the news and to pick up the brush again, for dwelling on negative emotions would not help anyone. I know it would probably help to stop checking the news every single day, but then when I don’t check I then feel guilty for going about my life as if everything’s just fine, and so the vicious cycle goes.

What do you think is the role of art in times like these? I invite you to enter the conversation with me and to share any insights you have, and if you have none, that’s okay too. Feel free to vent and rage, and of course share any resources that speak to you.

The Hungry Artist