The function of the artist in a disturbed society is to give awareness of the universe, to ask the right questions, and to elevate the mind.
Marina Abramovic
I once saw Marina Abramovic at a museum in Amsterdam. She was nude inside of a glass box suspended from the ceiling performing (semi)normal daily functions like putting on and taking off shoes.
I was really there for a Schiele exhibit, but over the years I have thought more about the performance piece. I think the message was: be aware of the small things in life, the daily rituals, and the things that seem commonplace, but could be acknowledged as special if looked at differently. (Or possibly done in the buff.)
And to bring this full circle….could that also be the function of a journal? Or sketchbook? Why not take this opportunity to start one while our society is extra-disturbed and everyone could use a little more clarity.