The purpose of arts in the common society is usually to express emotions and make a connection with the audience. However, art in warfare can have different meanings. According to CNN news, many artists embrace their role as propagandists during the war period. Miyamoto Saburo’s painting “Meeting of Generals Yamashita and Percival”, for example, shows the commander of the British army as cowardly and arrogant after he and his army get humiliated by Singapore’s army. Historically, this painting stimulated some British citizens to further support the war with Singapore. On the other hand, some artists work to promote peace during the war period. BBC News claims that award-winning British artist Lisa-Marie Gibbs is currently making street art events in Yemen and the UK to protest against the conflict in Yemen that caused more than 7,600 people’s death. While she advocates for peace in Yemen, she simultaneously makes audiences in a developed country to be aware of these kinds of world crises.
Works Cited
Bourke, Joanna. “Paintings, Protest and Propaganda: A Visual History of Warfare.” CNN, Cable News Network, 2 Apr. 2018, edition.cnn.com/style/article/depicting-war-through-art/index.html.
Singh, Suniti. “Street Art Events Promote Yemen Peace.” BBC News, BBC, 28 Mar. 2017, www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-39407787.
Writer: Chelsie Song
