The Power of Art:

 #FightBackWithArt #WarriorUpWithArt

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The Power of Art: When It’s Hidden, When It’s Overshared, and When It Changes the World

Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform the way we see the world. But what happens when it is hidden away for decades, only to be discovered long after the artist is gone? And what about the opposite—when an artist’s work is so widely shared and commercialized that it loses its original meaning? The stories of Hilma af Klint and Vincent van Gogh offer two extreme examples of how an artist’s legacy can be shaped not only by their talent but by the way their work is treated by society.

The Hidden Genius: Hilma af Klint

For decades, the world believed that abstract art was pioneered by male artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian. But in 1986, a remarkable discovery changed everything. Hidden away in wooden boxes were over a thousand paintings by Hilma af Klint—works that predated Kandinsky’s earliest abstract paintings by years.

Hilma af Klint, a Swedish artist born in 1862, was deeply influenced by spiritualism and the idea of unseen realities. She believed her art was guided by forces beyond herself, and she created bold, geometric, and symbolic paintings unlike anything seen in her time. But instead of sharing her work with the world, she left instructions that it should remain hidden for at least 20 years after her death. Why? Perhaps she feared ridicule, or maybe she believed the world wasn’t ready for her vision.

In the end, the world wasn’t just not ready—it had completely rewritten history without her. Her work was only rediscovered in the late 20th century, and even now, she is still gaining the recognition she deserves. Her story raises an important question: What other groundbreaking artists have been forgotten or hidden because their work didn’t fit into the accepted narratives of their time?

The Overshared Artist: Vincent van Gogh

On the other end of the spectrum is Vincent van Gogh—an artist whose work is now everywhere. His paintings are printed on coffee mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and even shower curtains. But in his lifetime, Van Gogh was almost completely unknown. He sold only a few paintings, struggled with mental health issues, and relied on financial support from his brother. He died believing he was a failure.

Today, Van Gogh’s name is synonymous with artistic genius, but his oversaturation in popular culture has led to something strange: his art is widely seen but not always felt. “Starry Night” or “Sunflowers” are so commercially reproduced that they often lose their emotional impact. They’ve become decorations rather than deeply personal expressions of an artist’s struggles and passions.

This raises another question: Can art lose its power when it becomes too commercialized? Van Gogh painted from a place of deep emotion and personal turmoil, yet much of his work is now consumed as trendy decor. Is there a way to share art widely without stripping it of its soul?

The Balance Between Secrecy and Exposure

Both Hilma af Klint and Vincent van Gogh show us that art exists in a delicate balance. If it’s hidden away for too long, history can erase the artist. If it’s overexposed, the meaning behind the work can be lost.

So where does that leave artists today? With the internet and social media, anyone can share their work instantly, but does that mean every piece of art gets the appreciation it deserves? Or does it become just another image in an endless scroll?

The Lesson for The Changerz

As changemakers, thinkers, and visionaries, we must ask ourselves:

• What art do we create that needs to be seen?
• What messages are we sending through what we share?
• How can we ensure that powerful work is appreciated, not just consumed?

Maybe the answer lies in intentionality—sharing art with purpose, protecting its deeper meaning, and ensuring that the right voices are heard at the right time. Because, as history shows us, the world is always in danger of overlooking brilliance or drowning it in noise.

What do you think? Have you ever held back from sharing something creative out of fear? Or have you seen something meaningful become overused to the point of losing its impact? Let’s start a conversation.

Join The Changerz Movement

Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s redefine how we share art and ideas!