THE ARTISTS

In: FP, Heft 203

Abstract

There is a place for artistic creation purely in the name of beauty: Ars gratia artis, the saying goes -- art for the sake of art. But as the Global Thinkers in this category show, art also has the power to make a striking political statement or reflect, even define, a moment in history. These artists have used brush strokes, words, images, and more to shock the senses and, in some cases, the sensibilities. They have defied the rules of artistic forms, as well as social norms of gender, race, and class. From China to Saudi Arabia, Britain to Azerbaijan, they have shown that art doesn't just matter -- it is vital. They include: 1. Haifaa Al Mansour for quietly breaking the Kingdon's gender barriers, 2. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for defying stereotypes on two continents, 3. Noviolet Bulawayo for giving voice to the 'born-free' generation, and 4. Mohsin Hamid for painting a disquieting picture of Asia's rise. Adapted from the source document.