Creative freedom is a right that people from all walks of life should be able to have and flourish. Art, in general, is something that every person should have the freedom to exercise. It allows us to cultivate our skills and further connect with ourselves and other like-minded individuals. Art isn’t something that can be taken away easily, as it grants each individual the chance to express themselves—which on its own, is amazing.
As such, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or better known as UNESCO,
announced that April 15 shall be the annual celebration of the
diversity and creative innovations of artists worldwide. Dubbed World Art Day, UNESCO expresses its belief that art helps bridge gaps between cultures and through its worldwide celebration, can promote the link between artistic creation and society as more artists around the world are given the chance to showcase
their work and connect with others.
This was especially pivotal to the Filipino youth since the start of the pandemic with the implementation of distance learning across all levels nationwide. Barely into April of the year 2020, the quarantine setup has already proven to have impeded many of our youth's recreational activities, leaving them starving for something to kill their newfound free time. Schools have already shifted from a physical setup to an online one, and a different brand of normalcy was forced upon students as they struggled to face the new setup.
This so-called ‘new normal’ was not only taking its toll on
the physical welfare of the youth, it was also proving to be more emotionally
and mentally draining than initially expected. Not only were students worried about
the near threat of sickness, but they were also separated from their social
circles. Of course, while popular social media platforms still served as spaces where the youth kept in touch with their friends, there was no denying the significant blow our social lives took when the pandemic started taking over.
It was due to this culmination of worsening cabin fever and stress that most of our youth sought to look for an escape. With the growing political unrest amid a global pandemic and the persistence of academic workload, the need for emotional support and self-fulfillment to avert us from the bleak reality of the times became more urgent and apparent.
Some turned to TikTok and
YouTube, using these media platforms as a way to distract themselves, even becoming their own content creators to voice out their thoughts and showcase their skills. Others
turned to gaming, as video games skyrocketed into the cultural mainstream, with others even using their skills
in gaming as a form of extra income.
Others turned towards another
creative output: visual arts. Some people picked up new hobbies. Some took hobbies that they never had the time of day before the pandemic but were always curious to dive into.
Others, meanwhile, sought to reinvigorate their old passions, ones that they may have had put on hold in the past due to other academic and social obligations.
Today, it seems as if we have all the time in the world.
Both digital arts and traditional
arts have been popular forms of creative outlets for Filipinos all over the country,
which were brought about by the boom of animated media. Despite the
popularity of visual arts, it has never been put on the same pedestal as the medical and legal fields here in the country, with most parents looking down
on visual artistry as a childish hobby.
Now, during the height of the pandemic, the youth are given the chance to rekindle their love for the arts, particularly as they use their time away from academic responsibilities to explore their chosen crafts.
As the pandemic continued, the awareness of alternative online spaces has also started to rise. Aside from the usual platforms like Facebook and Messenger, the Filipino youth also looked out for different avenues to connect with others and expand their social circle, be it with like-minded people or strangers that they wish to connect with. This also came into play as artists also utilized these spaces to share their artworks with others, as well as connect with fellow artists.
Tumblr is a tried-and-true
website that many artists look fondly back on, prevailing ever since the early years of its development. Discord is also
a way for artists to share their artworks, as it allowed people to connect and chat with each other with the promise of anonymity.
However, it was on Twitter where
the Filipino art space truly settled its space. Filipino artists, now using the
hashtag ‘#ArtPH’ flocked online, using Twitter to showcase their art. Not only
did the social media platform allow them to display their creative pieces, but
Twitter also proved to be an ideal way for both Filipino and International
artists alike to connect, allowing them to share ideas, cultures, and of
course, art.
As the #ArtPH grew, so did
the camaraderie among Filipino artists. Collaborations were commonly announced, with
many members of the community finding a way to be able to meet other artists,
as well as experiment with their art.
One such notable collaboration
was hosted by a Twitter user and artist named @Sntmntlrestart called ‘#TaguanArtPH.’ The goal of the collaboration was to invite Filipino artists to draw an
original character of their choice in a 'Where’s Waldo' format. Over 500+
artists participated in the online event. The recent endeavor of #TaguanArtPH was joined by
artists to show their support for Presidential and Vice Presidential bids VP Leni Robredo
and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, with their characters sporting pink and lime green colors.
Collaborations such as these show
that even amid the pandemic and despite the online setup, artistic
endeavors will continue to persevere as a reflection of the Filipino youths' beliefs,
culture, and skills, proudly showcased in the digital space. Even with the future uncertain, even as we feel stuck inside the bubbles of our home, creativity will not stay put and will persist to push through.
As stated by Ms. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, “this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art can unite and connect us even in the most difficult of circumstances. Indeed, the power of art to bring people together, to inspire, heal and share, has become increasingly clear during recent conflicts and crises, including COVID 19.”
These words spark hope in the hearts of artists everywhere, local or international, as they continue to create not only for themselves but for others, culminating in every person’s artistic being.
