Monday, April 6, 2020

Isolation and Art

The Irish Times, 17 March 2020

Art is an integral part of any society. It defines us, explains our values, and what is important. It also helps us to celebrate, as well as provides solace in times of trouble. Art is often relegated to the back pages of most newspaper. Politics, business and finance take centerstage, helping to shift our focus. Yet, art endures. At first, you might think that art is only in museums, yet it our music, television, films. It is the rainbows drawn by children, the verses we jot down, and the items we make.
How many countries regularly published poetry on the front pages of their national newspapers? With the onset of the COVID-19 in Ireland, the Irish Times published on its front page a poem by Gerard Smyth, reflecting on the isolation that many people felt as a result of social distancing. We are not alone in our feelings, and it is a time for reflection.

2 comments:

  1. Art harmonizes as it makes us think beyond our own experiences. It harmonizes as it challenges the ways we think about life. And it harmonizes with it's beauty. For those who haven't seen it, this is close to my heart and is a great example of how art can heal:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOovUEkTxHY
    Makes me cry EVERY TIME!
    And this one is HILARIOUS! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCK_1ydMhiE

    ReplyDelete
  2. Indeed, two great examples to keep us entertained, informed and distracted. Share more examples everyone!

    ReplyDelete

Poli Sci Faculty Reading List

A student asked for reading recommendations that were still about political sciencey things, but not the kinds of books we'd assign to o...