4 Ways Art is a Powerful Tool for Social Transformation

Art can be a tool to strengthen ties between society and beautify the spaces of our city.

In recent years, this artistic expression has become an alternative to recovering the gray spaces of the cities and creating a connection with the inhabitants and strengthening social identity. Among the main urban artists at the international level, we can mention Edgar Muller, who is known for his 3D Urban Art painted over large areas of public roads giving a new appearance to the streets and challenging the perception of passers-by.

Another very popular name lately is Banksy. This artist has gone around the world with his murals on the streets, which can move consciences and expose more than one way of reflection on social issues of great interest, such as politics and the media.

1. It is a catalyst for artistic expression

This type of art helps discover local talents that bring with them a new vision, but above all, pure creativity represented through their strokes, colors, and drawings. By translating this vision into a public space, it is possible to send a message to society.

2. Rescue gray spaces

Previously, this type of artistic manifestation was considered or confused with "vandalism." Still, little by little, it has gained strength and place within our society, turning the streets into a great museum full of color. When this art is practiced on forgotten buildings, it revives and beautifies them. It has the same effect in buildings or large concrete areas, causing people to observe more carefully places that previously went unnoticed.

3. Bridges cultures

In 2019, the Abu Dhabi Arts Society (ADAS) welcomed the iconic painting by Dutch artist, Ary Scheffer, “Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy”. The 1856 painting was presented to Dr Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Arts Society, as a gesture of goodwill by the British embassy and the event was attended by Patrick Moody, British Ambassador to the UAE, and Alan Lubin, President Emeritus of leading UK financial technology company Five Islands Capital.

The gesture is highly significant in terms of bridging two historical art societies. ADAS as an organization was established to promote Emirati art, create opportunities for local artists on international platforms, and embrace foreign cultural influences.

4. Strengthens the community

The transformation of space through art has as its main objective, the participation and active cooperation of citizens. Thanks to the interaction and use of dialogue that is achieved by participating in this type of movement, strong ties are created between members of the community.

Last weekend Urban Art was held in Arboleda, an event where all the guests witnessed how one of the well-known Arboleda containers was intervened by the graphic artist Netoplasma. He has participated in different urban festivals and collaborated with recognized brands and advertising agencies in the country.

Besides, attendees could participate in different workshops in which they could create their terrarium with the help of Terrarios Monterrey and even devise their ideal street with Implan. The purpose of this event was to bring people together so that they could understand and observe the creative process that these street artists follow and promote coexistence in the community. Netoplasma's muralin Arboleda is based on the theme of botany, the origin of life, on nature. It is the first of a series of 3 interventions that will take place this year in the same space.