藝術文化 vs. 科學、科技與商業

In recent years, technology development has transformed people’s life in different aspects, such as digital communication, online shopping, and distance learning. Many believe that artificial intelligence, virtual reality, social trading solutions, and biotechnology may entirely change the future world. Therefore, technological corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and many more entrepreneurs continuously strive for business opportunities and any chance to make a big fortune in science and technology related fields. As a result of this inclination, more and more people seem incorporate digital transformation into career, education, and personal lives. In terms of this technology-oriented mind-set, there is a tendency to disregard art because it has no direct connection with business. This may be argued that art is still considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world.

Technology has been the most predominant trend not only in business, but also in daily life. Most industries have devoted to this contemporary fashion in the name of bringing a more convenient and brilliant future. Thus, many people believe that it would be out-of-date if they do not embrace any innovative gadgets or technological solutions. They point out that opening to something new is the common social norm in this digital era. In addition, giant corporations even advocate that man by his efforts can conquer nature. In this case, they could brainwash people’s mind and stimulate this social change according to their big picture of business expansion.

Yet, it is unrealistic to think that technology and science are the only solutions of achieving a better life. I feel that innovations and monetization are prioritized into the first place when making decisions. This way of thinking becomes a serious problem in many cultures. The cost to society is great. Hierarchy of social status has become huge because not every individual could enjoy the benefits of innovative products and services. Furthermore, cultures are formed in many aspects, including arts, beliefs, customs, rituals, religions, laws, and habits. Technology shall be regarded as a tool to facilitate the operation of everyday life. It is risky for human beings to only focus on technological innovations but neglect other important social learnings in societies.

According to dictionary, art is defined by the expression or application of human creative skills and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. This represents importance of education for imagination, creativity, and appreciation of beauty. In the process of producing art works, great degree of concentration is mandatory. It benefits relaxation of anxiety and stress. Next, creative activities could also consist of music, dance, theatre, cinema, comics, and literature. These are not only forms of preserving culture, but also a universal form of communication. People who speak different languages could connect with each other and have the same feelings through art activities. They could perceive themselves as being part of the community. This is a very significant social learning to respect others’ cultures which may reduce misunderstandings from prejudice and bias. It helps to harmonize the society and the world. Finally, I think that we can learn how society changes based on art works. Take Ancient Egyptians for example, without funerary texts, mural paintings, monumental sculptures, and pyramids, we would not know their culture, history, and social values.

In conclusion, with development of technology, the arts could be designed in more innovative formats. Art shall not be privileged and owned by the wealth. Thanks to escalation of new media, art works could be praised and learnt in various media platforms. On one hand, this reduces gaps between different social classes. On the other hand, it opens a new dialogue to digital generations. National Palace Museum in Taiwan has done diverse projects to engross the minds of people for Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks. These projects incorporate art, technology, and new media communication, such as Instagram and Facebook fan page. In this case, not only the youth, but also all generations could be attracted into the arts.