The D’s Art Takes Blog

D’s Art Takes is a Blog written, maintained and curated by Divvya Nirula. Bringing information and opinion about artworks, global events, and exhibitions to the artistically curious since 2014. Each month we bring you hand-picked artists, writers, books, films and more that have been inspired by world events. Here the Global becomes Personal. For the months of October-November 2022 we explore the theme of Art & War.

For the Month of October 2022 D’s Art Takes & Divvya Nirula present to you Explorations on “Art & War”

Have you ever wondered how intense tragedy creates the greatest works of Art!? Be it at a personal, communal, social, or then national and global level. It is this very linkage that brings me to explore and present to you the connection between Art & War. From the Greeks to present day Contemporary Artists – there is a curiosity and a preoccupation for many with this subject. Perhaps because it calls to our very innate nature of self, calling into question our mortality and our purpose. The violence of war and the after-effects are always felt across generations on both sides. Be it the victors or then those that were the vanquished, subjugated and/or conquered.

We see this manifest in the glorification of the subjects of war. However, at times the very opposite – a rejection or a challenge of the war itself manifests. Some visual representations take on a narrative style, whilst others explore it in a more abstract manner. Both types often directly or indirectly use symbols of war. At times the military objects themselves are used by artists/protestors to represent support and/or dissent. This nature of the creative human spirit to seek an outlet for these victories and tragedies is seen time and time again. Across civilisations, cultures and social landscapes.

Going Beyond and Behind the Art

This month I share key artworks and artists that come to mind when thinking of Art & War. The four questions I am asking myself are – What has been left behind? How do we go Beyond ?Are these works of art a record, a warning, or are they a bridge to our histories of violence and suffering? Alternatively are they tools of healing and exposure? Or are they further still – medals of our triumph and fortitude?

Through each question and each artwork, idea, event and writing shared I aim to bring us closer to ourselves. And in the process challenging the self, the artworks and the artists behind them.

Guiding words for our journey ahead by Sun Tzu from The Art of War

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”

I understand this as, if the artist knows their medium then they need not fear the result of the creative act. The next sentence by Sun Tzu,

“If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.”

When applied to the artist, these words simply mean that if the artist is confident in their vision but not the medium or subject then all the creations are in vain.

Finally, Sun Tzu’s third statement that guides us is,

“If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

I take this to mean that for every artist their medium and their intent must be in balance for neither to be lost or overpowered.