- Syeda Eman Zehra Zaidi
- Sukkur IBA University
Have you ever wondered why artists are often underrated? Society loves creativity but not necessarily those who create it. History marks the events of great artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, one of the most remarkable artists of his time. However, during his entire life, he sold only one piece of art. While society now values his masterpiece “The Starry Night,” it failed to recognize the magic in his work while he was alive. Artists are individuals with deep thoughts and knowledge, expressing their understanding through their artworks.
In my native country, people admire Sufi and traditional art, placing a strong emphasis on calligraphy-style artworks. Meanwhile, modern paintings are recognized to a much lesser extent. One of our most famous artists, Sadequain, is celebrated for his calligraphic art, yet he also created abstract paintings, drawings, and thousands of sketches. Unfortunately, few discuss his contributions in books or historical accounts. Our society often overlooks the importance and significance of art, displaying a lack of creativity in understanding artistic expression. Abdur Rehman Chughtai, another talented painter from Pakistan and a prominent Muslim artist in South Asia, fought for recognition when colonial patrons dismissed indigenous styles.
In the modern era, where social media is at its peak, even children cannot thrive without the internet. From education to entertainment, every industry has connected itself to social media. Artists today are expressing themselves with the help of these platforms, creating viral reels, producing content, and publishing it on various channels. However, is it really that easy? The majority of artists still struggle to gain recognition. Now, their job is not only to create their desired artworks but also to entertain their audience. When any youngster wants to graduate from an arts college, society pressures them to choose a career path. This often confuses them as they try to decide between pursuing their interests or following societal expectations.
Artists in modern times are still not recognized as worthy of a degree. Society does not fully accept artists as legitimate employees. Even when an artist becomes popular and widely recognized, people are often unwilling to acknowledge the true value of their artwork when it comes to earning commissions. The income for artists is so low that they must cover both the cost of supplies and their living expenses.
Social media is a great platform for self-expression, but it isn’t a reliable source of income. Many talented artists go unnoticed because their work doesn’t conform to current algorithm trends. The constant effort to post daily in hopes of going viral can be exhausting, causing artists to shift their focus from honing their craft to chasing clicks. It’s refreshing that social media now promotes talent, allowing everyone an opportunity to gain recognition and express their art.
From history to modern times, artists have always been a great source of wonder. Indeed, social media provides a powerful tool for gaining recognition. Despite of all struggles every artists holds a special place. It’s so true that each person reflects in their art and Hope one day arts will be recognized as top rated niche and widely accepted. In short, great things take time to be conquered.