Art has been part of human history for millennia, ever since our ancient ancestors first slapped some paint on a cave wall and thought, “Yeah, this buffalo needs to be immortalised.”
Fast forward to today, and art is still as important as ever—maybe even more so, now that we’ve swapped mammoth tusks for smartphones and started documenting everything from breakfast to world-changing social movements. But how exactly has art shaped history, and what’s the modern artist’s gig in this era of TikTok and Instagram?
Art: The original Instagram
Art as the first timeline: Before we had hashtags and Instagram filters, we had cave paintings. These were essentially the original status updates, capturing everything from successful hunts to, well, more successful hunts. Thousands of years later, these ancient “posts” still offer valuable insight into what life was like back in the day. Take the Lascaux cave paintings in France, for example—created around 17,000 years ago, they show us what early humans valued: Survival, community, and a good buffalo chase (Gombrich, 1995). You could say they were the first to go viral, with the world still talking about them millennia later.
Art as the ultimate throwback: Art has always been a mirror of its time, reflecting the highs, lows, and bizarre trends of any given era. Take the Renaissance—essentially history’s version of a cultural reboot, complete with new ideas, better techniques, and a rediscovered appreciation for the classics. The period’s artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were the influencers of their day, shaping everything from fashion to philosophy (Clark, 1969). But unlike today’s influencers, they weren’t just pushing skincare routines—they were pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be human.
Art as the politician’s worst nightmare: Artists have a long history of stirring the pot. Francisco Goya, for example, was the original whistleblower, using his work to expose the grim realities of war and political corruption in 19th-century Spain. His series The Disasters of War is a gruesome reminder that, while history might be written by the victors, the artists are the ones who make sure we don’t forget the losers (Arnason & Mansfield, 2013). In today’s terms, Goya was like a visual journalist—only without the clickbait.
The modern artist: Documentarian with a paintbrush
Fast forward to today, and the artist’s role has evolved. We’re living in a time where everything is changing at warp speed—politically, socially, environmentally. It’s up to modern artists to capture this chaotic whirlwind, adding their own flair, of course.
Art as a megaphone for change: Modern artists are like the activists of the art world, using their work to amplify social movements. Whether it’s raising awareness about climate change or calling out systemic racism, today’s artists are wielding their paintbrushes like swords—metaphorically, of course. Street artist Banksy, for instance, has mastered the art of guerrilla commentary, turning public walls into platforms for anti-establishment messages. He’s basically the Robin Hood of the art world, stealing the spotlight from the status quo and giving it to the underdogs.
Art as a mind-bender: One of the modern artist’s biggest jobs is to mess with our heads—in a good way. In a world where everyone’s busy scrolling, swiping, and double-tapping, artists challenge us to stop, think, and maybe even feel something deeper than a passing “like.” By flipping perspectives and questioning norms, they encourage us to see the world in a new light—no filters needed.
Art as a culture keeper: In this globalised, hyperconnected world, where everyone seems to be eating the same avocado toast, modern artists play a crucial role in preserving cultural uniqueness. Through their work, they capture the essence of their communities—their stories, traditions, and quirks—ensuring that these identities don’t get lost in the shuffle. So, while the world may be getting smaller, art keeps our cultures from becoming one big, bland smoothie.
From cave walls to the streets of modern cities, art has always been more than just something pretty to look at. It’s a time capsule, a soapbox, and a megaphone all rolled into one. And while the tools may have changed, the mission remains the same: To document, provoke, and, most importantly, to make us think.
So, the next time you see a piece of art that stops you in your tracks, remember—it’s not just decoration, it’s history in the making.
About Victoria Hall
Victoria Hall is an English-born, Australian-based writer and illustrator. She is the creator of three picture books for children, Penny Prickles at Coogee Beach, Eggy Peggy Has Lost Her Leggy and The Fairy Beasts.
Victoria studies Fine Art and Art History at Curtin University. She also studied Illustration at Sydney University and Business at The University of West London.
For more updates on Victoria’s creative projects, follow her on Instagram or check out her bio here.
References and further reading
Arnason, H. H., & Mansfield, E. C. (2013). History of Modern Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Photography. Pearson Education.
Clark, K. (1969). Civilisation: A Personal View. Harper & Row.
Gombrich, E. H. (1995). The Story of Art. (16th ed.). Phaidon Press.
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