Can art convert a viewer to the artists beliefs if the viewer is not a kindred spirit to begin with?

Answer 1

Hey Soul Shine,

This is a really nice question. The artist conveys their inner thoughts and communicates to us, we may like the color, imagery, lines, even the darkness of the painting - but you will not always be able to change someones opinion with art. Perhaps you can sometimes.

Answer 2

I believe it is possible, but you have to admit it is pretty rare. For one thing, art communicates in certain symbols and conventions, and even in the choice of color and other more subtle effects. And for many, those symbols are inextricably tied to a particular religious point of view.

So it's not so much convert a non-kindred, but the drawing out of someone who did not realize his kindred spirit until the art showed it to him.

Just on longevity alone, Europeans at least see this as Christian, and largely Roman Catholic. So a conversion either to or from Roman Catholicism due to art is an easy to understand, almost self-fulfilling thing.

But what of the remarkable tantric art, which is able to convey worlds of truth non-verbally, and which runs rather counter to much of Roman Catholic doctrine? Isn't also true that Chinese art has much of important spiritual and religious significance? And indeed art all over the world draws people to different religions in different circumstances over time.

Again, I would argue that they were kindred, but they did not know it before.

It is probably clear, then, that this powerful tool in the hands of an artist can also be used to "convert" to a political point of view, a more spiritual (as distinguished from religious) point of view, or indeed a secular, banal, superficial point of view.

Ah, there is the rub: we may be able to use magic, but so can the dark side.

Answer 3

Very nice question, Soul....

No, it is not the role of art to convert anyone for any reason. Art is an expression of the artists inner being. Artists are driven to express. A true artists does not care what others find, or don't find, in thier art. It is enough for them simply to have created it.

If a kindred spirit views the creation, and takes from it the same meaning as the artist who created it...then...wonderful. But, that is not conversion, it is simply sympatico.

Answer 4

I'm going to go against the grain here because I believe art has served this purpose. I disagree with the previous comment that "it's not the role of art to convert anyone for any reason." Art has many purposes and you can agree with them or not, but it's ignoring history to say it hasn't happened. For example, this is the nature of propaganda as art. Also, take a look at religious art, medieval art is a good example.

Medieval art is methodical in it's approach with the illiterate masses and in the late 15th century, religious art with prophetic and apocalyptic themes was commonly utilized for this purpose. People lived in fear and became preoccupied with the end of the world and last judgment.

Answer 5

Many times art can awaken a spiritual belief, but it doesn't have the power to convert someone who is skeptical or already entrenched in a different belief.

Sometimes we are simply waiting for a nudge, and art (in all of its many forms) can provide the nudge.

Answer 6

art can not make you believe in something but it can allow you to understand the artists point of view, then you decide for yourself

Answer 7

Yes it can, if one is really observant and takes time to study the art in depth, it can happen.