Fear and art in the contemporary world

I would venture to say that fear abounds, especially when considering the relationship between fear and art in the contemporary world. In fact, the cause of fear, especially this kind of it which we can call modern anxiety, is the fear of losing what we own. Specifically, we own the things that organise our lives. For instance, by things, I also mean houses, flats or larger estates, filled with these smaller things, of course. Indeed, these things define the space in which we move, where we feel safe and secure.

Furthermore, we also have opportunities to leave this space for a time - consequently, we travel. Travelling is a pleasant change from the routine of everyday life. Moreover, we enjoy seeing different landscapes and learning about new things. However, while we are away, our property is waiting for us - intact.

The law of possession protect our property - it is, after all, our private property. We have earned it through hard work, and indeed, we have earned it. Furthermore, it is given to us and guaranteed to us. One would like to say - permanently.

Now, can I add anything to this brief description of a stable existence? Certainly, you can add the word ‘fear’., or modern anxiety. In fact, fear and art are intertwined in the contemporary world. Thus, this is all we have.

On the one hand, some people have a lot of wealth; however, others have little. Nevertheless, everyone is afraid of loss. This is because it brings discomfort, or even causes danger.

Fear and art in the contemporary world

Fear in the modern world is omnipresent. Indeed, the media give us a glimpse into different places on earth. Consequently, we see the effects of disasters, conflicts, and wars. Furthermore, we watch on the screens of our devices a constant film of what we would not wish for. In fact, or rather, what we panic about, revealing fear and art intertwined in the contemporary world.

Additionally, I am writing this text, and I am on the better side. However, I do not know how people can live there. Ultimately, it is beyond my imagination. Moreover, the barrier between me and THEM is wide and stable for now. Nevertheless, the awareness of the temporariness of this situation torment me. Thus, there is a fear in me.

Art reflects the modern anxiety. Contemporary artworks express the views and emotions of artists. Contemporary Art is a medium, showing the potential, the possibilities of the modern world, it makes the public aware and educates them about the problems and dangers around us. So fear undoubtedly has a place in the art world today.

Norwegian painter Edward Munch's painting The Scream is perhaps the best-known representation of the expression of fear in modern art. People consider it a masterpiece of expressionism.
The author himself does not link the message to any special event. He wrote of the painting's genesis as follows:

I was walking along the road with two friends – the sun was setting – suddenly the sky turned blood red – I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence – there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city – my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety – and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.

Fear in nature

Today, nature is crying out in a different voice. Animals entangled in plastic rubbish, oceans and seas full of waste, rivers drying up and lakes shrinking are crying out to us. Should artists paint these cries? I don't know. The contemporary artist is free, society does not impose specific tasks on him. This situation is the result of a centuries-long battle for freedom in art.

Freedom vs fear

Freedom does not eliminate fear. One can feel fear for freedom in the contemporary world, surrounded by art. It is a fragile value constantly under threat.

But contemporary fears and threats are also present in the art of contemporary artists like modern anxiety. They are a sincere expression of what contemporary societies, of which artists are, after all, a part, feel. Ultimately, fear and art coexist in the contemporary world.

Jolanta Johnsson, The Scream Paint, monotype, 50 x 35 cm

This theme modern anxiety has emerged in my art recently. A series of monotypes emerged - screaming heads. In these portraits, I am looking for a way to express the moment when a person's feelings are so strong that they are unable to react to them other than by screaming loudly.
I know that in my attempts I am balancing between the banal and the search for my own expression. Judgement, as always, belongs to the viewer.