Conflict and/or Resolution

Conflict and/or Resolution 2/25/13 – 3/21/13

A conflict is typically defined as a: disagreement, clash, divergence, difference, argument, variance, quarrel, inconsistency, discord, contradiction, dispute, tension, controversy, fracas, or opposition.  It can occur within a person and, of course, between people, groups and nations.

A person could be torn between two courses of action due to a conflict of interests, values or loyalties.  You are probably familiar with disagreements/conflicts between siblings, parents and children, between parents (potentially leading to divorce), advocacy groups and lobbies.  Whenever there is a law suit there is a conflict between “parties”.  They go to court seeking justice or a “just settlement” in support of their point of view or cause.

On a larger scale, we see conflicts between ethnic groups, which has led to genocide, strong disagreements within a country have led to civil wars, .  Any and all wars are obvious examples of conflict.

Resolution doesn’t usually come as easily as conflict for some reason, but it is the only way to really deal with strong differences.  Creating peace is a long and difficult process.  Ideally,  agreement could be found before a situation reaches a fevered pitch.  The only way to reach that point is through honest communication.  Artists have the ability to reach out and communicate when words often fail us.

Do you see a situation that you want to address through your artwork?  Have you personally experienced something that prompts you to communicate it with your artistic sensibilities?  Art can often bring people from differing perspectives together.   Sometimes, people are led to healing or catharsis as a result of expressing their feelings through art.

Are you inspired by a quotation, poem , speech, news article, song, play, book or movie based on current events or personal experience?  This is an opportunity for you to explore the possibilities of conflict and/or resolution.

Please give each other feedback by Friday, March 4^th on our Studio Art Blog.

D. Exner