Since time immemorial art, literature and music have been dominating the creativity industry, producing celebrities from all walks of life. Artistes and authors produce their work not only for personal reasons but also to effect reactions from its consumers. Writers and artises would therefore mainly produce items to arouse reactions from their consumers, to entertain and convey messages. The art, music and literature industries have grown and thrived mainly due revenues gained from entertainment purposes.
Artistes and authors aim to educate society on issues of concern in their time e.g. crime or ignorance. Art, music and literature include important information in its content to educate or remind people of issues in society. For example a painting can illustrate the plight of refugees or an article in the newspaper explaining the importance of a balanced diet. This goal of art and literature works has led to evolution of advertising, where consumers are informed of the various commodities available in the market.
Literature and art works influence people’s reactions to the creative item or to others. Art, literature and music can cause feelings of joy, sadness, disgust or shock depending on its purpose and interpretation therefore can be used to change an individual’s mood.
Art, literature and music from around the world can also be use to study and understand different cultures and ideas, therefore encouraging social cohesion and appreciation of other cultures or communities (R. Fraser-Thill, 2010). Art and literature is also a store of a people’s language and history therefore sharpening peoples understanding of their identity and origins (K. Larsen, 2012).
I was especially interested in the Moai. These are human figure sculptures of the Rapa Nui people of the Easter Island. The size of the sculpture was politically motivated with the towering sculpture as a representation of their ancestors. It provided very interesting information about the peoples religious beliefs.
Reference
Fraser-Thill R. (2010). Developmental Benefits of Reading Literature. Retrieved from http://tweenparenting.about.com/od/activitiesgameshobbies/a/BenefitsofReadingLiteratur e.htm
Larsen K. (2012). Sunday Lit Crit Sermon: Elsie C. Carrroll on the Benefits of Literature. Retrieved from http://www.motleyvision.org/2012/sunday-lit-crit-sermon-elsie-c-carroll- on-the-benefits-of-literature/
Stansell W. (2005). The Use of Music for Learning Languages: A Literature Review. University of Illinois, Illinois.
