Can Art Inspire Change?
Art has the ability to move us in ways that words sometimes cannot. This is why I believe art can change the world.
Art invites us to see the world through someone else’s experience, increasing empathy and understanding. Throughout history, it has played a role in cultural, political, and environmental movements. In the 1970s, for example, the rise of feminist art challenged traditional ideas about the role of women in society. Even today, artists such as Banksy question our perceptions of power, authority, and capitalism. Art is powerful because it shows us different points of view and encourages us to see familiar ideas in new ways.
One of the reasons art can be so impactful is that it bypasses our rational filters and speaks directly to emotion. Through colour, gesture, composition and symbolism, art can evoke feelings that words sometimes cannot express. A single image can surface emotions we didn’t even realise we were carrying. In this sense, art is not simply decoration for our walls, it is also a form of social, emotional and psychological language.
Many artists deliberately challenge or unsettle us. Feminist, political and conceptual art often questions what we have been taught to accept as “normal,” exposing hidden structures around gender, race, class or history. While this can sometimes feel uncomfortable, that discomfort can also be a catalyst for reflection and change. Works such as Guernica by Pablo Picasso or the self-portraits of Frida Kahlo don’t simply depict events or individuals, they reframe pain, identity, politics and power.
Product image: Kiss the Girls print by Leah Mariani
Interestingly, the emotional impact of art is increasingly supported by scientific research. Studies by cognitive scientists suggest that engaging with art can broaden perspective and encourage more flexible and creative thinking.
Research also shows that art can have measurable effects on our wellbeing. A study involving researchers from King’s College London found that viewing original artworks in a gallery setting can physically calm the body. Participants experienced lower levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone), reductions in inflammatory markers, and changes in heart-rate patterns associated with emotional engagement.
A review of around 38 studies similarly found that viewing art consistently improves aspects of wellbeing, particularly eudaimonic wellbeing, which relates to a sense of meaning, purpose and personal growth.
In my own practice, I’m interested in how art can challenge traditional narratives around women. Many of my works explore the idea of women supporting other women rather than competing with one another, which we often see in patriarchal stereotypes. By portraying women in moments of connection, solidarity and quiet strength, I hope my work offers an alternative story: one that feels uplifting, motivating and empowering.
Product image: Phone case by Leah Mariani
