STARA - 16.04.2015, Blaðsíða 49

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Art is the pillar of freedom of expression. It
draws energy from the creative energy coursing
through people‘s veins. Artists use their gift to
create works which have form and gain meaning
when they are received by society. Art cultivates
life with bravery and vision and offers resistance
against destruction.
The freedom of expression wants to traverse
boarders without the proper passports or neces-
sary permits. It leaps over the walls of segregation
under fire of opposing views. Freedom of expres-
sion is under scrutiny in all societies. The reac-
tions can be merciless when freedom transgress-
es, when somebody defies with art and breaks
down borders. Art defends humanity and wounds
nobody but those who are offended and exposed.
Everyone can be a representative of freedom of
expression, as long as they want to, but to use it
or defend it necessitates courage, imagination
and understanding of the consequences of silenc-
ing. He who walks under the banner of freedom
of expression needs to be willing to fight for the
freedom of others to express their opinion.
Artists everywhere should be free to create the art
they want to create. They have freedom of speech,
freedom of writing, freedom of visual arts,
freedom of music, freedom of design, freedom
of performing arts, freedom to express them-
selves without fear or censorship and oppression,
freedom to create ambiguous art that transforms
society.
Artists make waves and confuse people with their
works, surprise them, open up new dimensions
and expose stupidity and ignorance. Art has a
vital role to play in society because works of art
can release people from the straightjacket of fear,
oppression and prejudice. Artists use their free-
dom of expression, e.g. to work for the liberation
of others and unleash their power.
But freedom is not enough. Artists also need op-
portunity, time and the right circumstances for
their work. An opportunity to create and work
at that which it most important to them. Most of
them need to acquire knowledge and training in
order it harness the creative force in an effective
way.
Each society needs powerful artists, each society
needs to support art and freedom of expression
if it expects to flourish. That support is hand-
somely reimbursed every day with important gifts
that improve society, because art is a movement
constantly at work.
There is a strong connection between art and
freedom of expression. The word freedom of art
instantly jumps forward and exclaims: “Do not be
afraid, use the freedom of expression in an artis-
tic way. Do not wait for tomorrow!”
“Art has a vital role to play
in society because works of
art can release people from
the straightjacket of fear,
oppression and prejudice.”