Arts reveal beauty in the world, cast light on current situation

More Stories of resilience and courage in the midst of Covid-19 >

A youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, uses digital artwork to encourage compliance with preventive health measures such as physical distancing. “I was motivated to shed light on the realities on the ground and share some health tips,” says the artist. “I wanted to show, through illustrations, how people are coping with the outbreak.”

BAHA’I WORLD CENTRE — In these unique times, the arts have been particularly important in stimulating reflection on the spiritual dimension of human life and inspiring hope. Baha’is and their compatriots throughout the world have been drawing on the arts to cast a light on themes that are captivating the public consciousness, such as humanity’s interconnectedness.

“Creative initiatives are providing people a way to reach out to friends and to help relieve their anxiety. Artistic works can increase the feelings of hope, cohesion, and unity in a society,” says Simina, a sketch artist from Romania.

People of all ages, especially youth, have found ways to uplift the spirits of their fellow citizens through music, podcasts, paintings and drawings, theatre, puppet shows, poetry, and digital designs. Such works have focused on revealing the beauty that exists in the world and conveying new perspectives on current circumstances.

Nadiv, a young musician from Kenya, reflecting on the use of the arts to express constructive ideas says: “We’ve been able to address issues of common concern during the pandemic through music, and to bring people together to take part in collective expressions of solidarity. The arts have really been a voice for the voiceless. When you can’t say something directly, you can express it through creative means.”

The arts have been drawn upon by many to show appreciation for those working in essential services and to provide communities with information about health measures.

Meadow, a painter from the United States, says that “by using our hands and our voices, we’ve seen how everyone can create something beautiful and inspiring for others to enjoy. Creativity allows inspiration to flow, lifting our spirits and helping those around us."

The following is a small selection of the many artistic expressions produced during this period that have been inspired by the Baha’i teachings.

Baha’is in Latin America and Spain have been producing uplifting music videos for youth. This song titled “La fuerza del amor”, meaning the strength of love, encourages young people to translate positive thoughts into actions.

Teachers of children’s moral education classes in Italy have recorded a puppet show on the theme of justice and shared it on the website, “Stelle Splendenti” (Brilliant Stars). This website, one of several initiatives of the country’s Baha’i community, was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic and makes available multimedia resources to help families explore with their children the spiritual qualities most needed at this time.

Young people who have been participating in educational programs of the Baha’i community in Nanaimo, Canada, held an online youth camp and reflected on how they can be of service to others during this time of crisis. This video was made by these youth to explore the theme of humility.

Young people from Minsk, Belarus, have created a video in which they recite poems they have written about seeing the beauty of humanity and of good deeds.

An artist from the United States has been creating videos to share painting skills and the spiritual concepts that have inspire her work.

A one-man play from Romania titled “Exile to Paradise” explores significant historical events in the Baha’i Faith. Multiple recordings of the actor playing different roles were edited together to convey a seamless narrative.

An initiative of several musicians in Auckland, New Zealand, titled “Illuminate the World”, has been bringing people together to create musical works that shed light on challenges facing their society.

Children in Berlin, Germany, who participate in Baha’i education classes, have made drawings on the theme of hope for the residents of a home for the elderly

This piece, called “In the Heart of Unity”, is about how hope can spread from heart to heart. It was inspired by conversations among a group of young people who gather weekly online to share ideas about how they can continue to serve their societies under present circumstances.

A family in the United Kingdom performs a selection of live music on the theme of humanity’s essential oneness. Many such broadcasts have been made throughout the world from living rooms to stimulate reflection on profound spiritual principles.

A collective of artists from Norte del Cauca, Colombia, have produced a lively song with a message about taking health precautions.

More Stories of resilience and courage in the midst of Covid-19 >

Originally Published on Baha'i World News Services