If my art has nothing to do with people's pain and sorrow, what

Host: The room is still, the air thick with the weight of Ai Weiwei’s words. Outside, the world carries on, but inside, the atmosphere feels intimate, almost reverential, as if the question posed isn’t just about art, but about purpose, meaning, and the role of creativity in the face of adversity. Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other, the thought hanging between them, ready to be unpacked.

Jack: “Ai Weiwei said, ‘If my art has nothing to do with people’s pain and sorrow, what is 'art' for?’” He repeats the words slowly, as if they’re settling into his own thoughts. “It’s a powerful statement, isn’t it? It makes you rethink what art is really about. Is it just about beauty, about technique, or is it about something deeper, something that connects us to the human experience?” He looks up at Jeeny, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “What do you think? Can art truly be meaningful without addressing the pain and struggles of the world?”

Jeeny: “I think Ai Weiwei’s words challenge the way we traditionally view art. Art isn’t just about aesthetics or personal expression; it’s about connection, about engaging with the world around us, and sometimes, that means confronting difficult realities. Art that ignores the pain and suffering people experience might lack the depth that makes it relevant, that makes it impactful.” Her voice is steady, thoughtful, as if considering the full weight of the statement. “Art is a reflection of humanity — it should speak to what we go through, what we feel, what we’re experiencing. If it doesn’t connect with those emotions, if it doesn’t engage with the difficult parts of life, it risks being disconnected from the human experience.”

Jack: “But that raises the question of whether art always has to be about pain and sorrow. Can’t art also be about joy, hope, beauty, or inspiration? Shouldn’t art have the freedom to exist in all forms, without being confined to depicting suffering?” His voice softens, as though he’s grappling with the balance between the two sides of the argument. “Is there space for art that uplifts and inspires, rather than always addressing the pain in the world?”

Jeeny: “I think art can do all of those things. It can uplift, inspire, and provoke joy, but it can also challenge, reflect, and make us confront uncomfortable truths. The beauty of art is its range, its ability to move us in different ways. But I do think there’s a level of importance in art that addresses pain, because it makes us confront reality, it helps us process and understand the world.” Her eyes meet his with a quiet intensity, as if she’s trying to convey something deeply personal. “Art that addresses pain isn’t just about showing suffering; it’s about sparking empathy, raising awareness, and sometimes, even creating change. It’s not just for the artist — it’s for the world, for everyone who experiences it.”

Jack: “So, it’s not just about making something beautiful. It’s about making something meaningful, something that speaks to the human condition, even if it’s uncomfortable?” His voice is softer now, the complexity of the question settling in. “Ai Weiwei seems to be saying that art should engage with the world, with what’s happening, with the struggles people face, and not just exist in a bubble of beauty and technique.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Art has the power to shape conversations, to shift perceptions, to heal or challenge. If art doesn’t address the real emotions and struggles that people face, it becomes disconnected from what matters. It becomes decorative, but it misses the opportunity to be transformative.” She smiles gently, a quiet sense of affirmation in her words. “Art should have a purpose — to engage with the world in a way that transcends just being visually pleasing. It should move us, inspire us, and yes, sometimes it has to confront pain, because that’s part of the human experience.”

Jack: “I think I get it now. Art can be about beauty, joy, and hope, but it can also be about truth, about the reality of our shared human experience. And sometimes, the most powerful art is the one that addresses the things we’d rather avoid.” His voice softens, a reflection of the deeper understanding that’s just begun to settle in. “In a way, it’s a reminder that art isn’t just about the artist’s personal expression — it’s about how it impacts the world, how it makes us feel, how it connects us to something larger than ourselves.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The best art does both — it connects with us emotionally, and it makes us think, reflect, and sometimes even act. Art isn’t just a decoration for life; it’s a lens through which we can view and process the world.” Her smile deepens, a quiet wisdom in her expression. “That’s why art has such power — because it speaks to our collective experience, it helps us understand, and sometimes, it helps us heal.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though a veil has been lifted, revealing a clearer understanding of the power of art. Jack and Jeeny sit together, having discovered that the true value of art is not just in its ability to be beautiful, but in its ability to speak to the human experience — to capture both the joy and the pain, and to connect us to something larger than ourselves. Art that addresses pain and sorrow isn’t just for reflection; it’s for action, for empathy, and for change.

Jack: “I guess art isn’t just about making something pretty. It’s about making something meaningful, something that really makes us feel and think, something that connects us all.” His voice is quieter now, but filled with new understanding. “Art that engages with the real world, with the struggles we face — that’s the kind of art that lasts.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s the kind of art that matters — the kind that reflects the world as it is, and helps us imagine a world as it could be.” She smiles softly, her eyes reflective. “That’s the power of art. That’s what makes it truly timeless.”

Host: The room feels still now, as if the understanding between Jack and Jeeny has created a space of deeper clarity. Art is not just about beauty or personal expression — it’s about engagement with the world around us, with the pain, the joy, and the shared experiences of humanity. It’s about creating something that moves us, challenges us, and connects us to the world in a deeper way. That’s where art finds its true power.