Is Art The New Religion?

How young people are turning their backs on religion and why I think art could become their new religion

CONTEXTUAL PROLOGUE

Yesterday afternoon I got drunk, booked accomodation for Amsterdam and then sat and watched the sunset. I ate 6 baklavas (two walnut, two pistachio and two chocolate) and a plate of butter soaked Doner meat. I was alone and yet so full in my experience of aloneness. It’s hard to process all of this. It’s hard to find the words to accurately describe, let alone come to understand the sheer scale of profundity that blossoms in every waking moment.

Here I am in that same coffee shop again. It’s 11:15am. The coffee shop staff know my name now. They were so proud when I walked in and they didn’t even need to ask for my name, they simply yelled it out from behind the coffee machine. The caffeine is making me realise that I my laptop is incredibly dirty. I need to clean it. I add “clean laptop” to my to do list, knowing that I will not look at that to do list for the rest of the day.

Travelling like this, makes it hard to stay on task sometimes. You become so open to the world around you, so focussed on experiencing it all that sometimes the necessities of life can pile up in garbage bag of your mind. Mine is overflowing at the moment, but I have become very good at pushing the trash down and lifting the back up so as to increase the overall density of necessities that can fit in there.

It’s 11:20am. There’s a woman sitting opposite me doing some kind of work on her laptop. I imagine it is design work given the amount of intensity she is directing towards her light pink wireless mouse. She has matching pink headphones and recently manicured fingernails. She is wearing a maroon jumper despite it being 35 degrees outside. I’m scared to look at her face because we are so intimately placed opposite each other that if both of us look up at the same time we’ll likely have to kiss or punch one another in the face to diffuse the awkwardness.

People drink a lot of tea here. They smoke a lot of cigarettes too.

I need to do my taxes. Shit, I forgot about that. Another piece of trash for the dark corner of my mind.

TEA AND CIGARETTES

Anyway, back to the tea and the cigarettes. The combined act of tea drinking and smoking is aesthetically and socially alluring. I see men from all walks of life sitting and conversing, laughing and playing Tavla or Okey (I don’t know the difference). The tea and cigarettes are lubricants that soften the edges of the harshness of the reality they exist within. Many, if not all of these men are devoted muslims. They are on the majority incredibly friendly, though simultaneously could all play a mobster or mafia member in an American mob movie. Is that cultural stereotyping? Maybe it is, but trust me if you walk around these streets and see the stature of these men you come to understand where these stereotypes come from.

The point is, the culture here is full of contradiction. There is warmth and hostility. Control and freedom. Religion and resistance. The vice of these older men is the combination of tea and tobacco, but for the younger generation it appears to be alcohol. Every night the local pubs and parks are filled with young revellers stretching the boundaries of their sobriety. This generation is evidently questioning the dominant religious structures of the region and are no doubt finding the same kind of community that the older men source from their respective haunts.

There appears to be little intergenerational co-mingling occurring. Exposure to globalisation has left the youth craving freedom while their parents remain loyal to religious doctrine. You see this even more evidently in the role women play in the society here. Very few older women are out connecting across cultural, social or gender based divides. One would assume this is the direct result of more conservative views on gender roles within this segment of society. These women appear very much isolated compared to the younger generation that is by most accounts “westernised” in their approaches to education, sexuality, expression and social contribution. I am in no position to judge either one of these manifestations of culturally informed social cohesion, but I do think it is important to understand that there is a very significant generational divide occurring, and it isn’t just limited to Turkey.

I have observed this same phenomenon across Asia as well. There is, in my opinion, a monumental shift occurring between the older and younger generations of many of the worlds populations. Many factors influence this including globalisation, increased education, wealth and the expansion of social technologies. From my subjective experience I have observed that those with more financial opportunity tend to lean away from religion or are at least questioning it more than those who are by most accounts stuck in the cycles of poverty. Many have spoken on the roll of religion as a liberator of suffering including Karl Marx who said it is "the soul of soulless conditions”, comparing it to an “opiate.”

THE SHIFT AWAY FROM OF RELIGION

The below graph from PEW RESEARCH CENTER (2019) shows the % of a population that say it is necessary to believe in God in order to be moral and have good values compared with those countries GDP per capita. This appears to suggest a shift in cultural identity occurs as countries develop. Inevitably as a country earns more per capita, an individuals’ access to education, global media, new technology and healthcare increases (or at least should increase under a successful government*).

With these advances the younger generations appear to be exposed to more secular viewpoints and are actively questioning the role religion plays in their lives (especially in cases where it limits their freedoms or access to opportunities). Across a variety of countries it appears the terminology of "Spiritual but not religious” is also on the rise as a result of this. As I have travelled through these countries it feels evident that such a divergence is occurring. In the conversations I have had with people across the generations I can see these same patterns emerging with a force that is not going to slow down any time soon.

I spoke with an art curator recently about this very topic. She was adamant that the younger generation sees very little value in religion and the confines of identity, socio-cultural connectivity and freedom of thought that it places on them. From her experience growing up in Turkey, studying art history and now managing several art galleries, she too was noticing a drastic shift away from the religious norms of her parents. She too identified as spiritual but not religious, suggesting that she believed in something bigger than herself but was not willing to subscribe to the limitations of religious doctrine. Her exposure to international travel and increasing amounts of international media appeared to play a significant role in this.

From my point of view, the younger generations are going to participate in a monumental socio-cultural shift in perspective that is going to change the very way we engage with one another and find meaning in our world. The rise of technology is also going to speed this change up. The access to information that AI language models provide us is unlike anything we have seen before, and this is just the beginning.

CHAT GPT’S PERSPECTIVE ON ALL OF THIS

As an example I asked Chat GPT “Do you think that the world is becoming less religious?” and here is the response:

Yes, there is a global trend indicating a decline in religiosity in many parts of the world. While religion still holds significant importance in many societies, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, several factors have contributed to the decline of religious affiliation and practice in other parts of the world. It's important to note that these trends are complex and can vary significantly from country to country. Here are some key reasons for the observed decline in religiosity:

1. Secularisation: Modernisation and increased access to education have often been linked to a decline in religious adherence. As societies become more urbanised and technologically advanced, traditional religious beliefs and practices may become less central to people's lives.

2. Individualism and Autonomy: In many parts of the world, individualism and personal autonomy have gained prominence. This can lead individuals to question and explore their beliefs independently, sometimes resulting in a move away from traditional religious structures.

3. Scientific Advancements: As scientific understanding of the world advances, some people may find it challenging to reconcile certain religious beliefs with scientific explanations. This can lead to a shift away from religious worldviews.

4. Cultural and Social Change: Rapid cultural changes, including shifts in gender roles, family structures, and social norms, can influence religious adherence. Some religious teachings may come into conflict with changing societal values.

5. Religious Pluralism: Increased exposure to different religious beliefs and the ability to communicate globally has led to greater religious diversity. This exposure can prompt individuals to reevaluate their own beliefs or explore alternatives.

6. Critiques of Religion: The rise of atheism, agnosticism, and secular humanism has led to increased criticism of religious institutions and doctrines, prompting some individuals to distance themselves from organised religion.

7. Scandals and Misconduct: Instances of religious leaders being involved in scandals or misconduct have caused disillusionment among followers, leading to a loss of trust in religious institutions.

8. Generational Shifts: Younger generations in many countries are less likely to identify with or practice religion compared to older generations. This generational shift is partly influenced by changing cultural norms and greater exposure to secular worldviews.

While religiosity might be declining in some parts of the world, it's essential to recognise that religion remains an important aspect of many individuals' lives and continues to shape cultures, societies, and personal beliefs. The global picture is diverse and dynamic, with different regions experiencing varying degrees of religiosity and secularisation.

This functions to support two of my above points simultaneously. Chat GPT seems to agree with me (for whatever that is worth) and my ability to generate this entire breakdown of information took less time than reading the publishing information on the first page of a new edition Bible. The point is (or at least my opinion is) - access to information and increased prosperity around the world is going to continue to drive a cultural shift away from traditional religions.

THE COST OF THIS TRANSITION

The cost of this transition away from religion is something I have spoken about in previous blog posts, but it ultimately comes down to these core points:

• Loss of Moral and Ethical Framework: Many religions provide a moral and ethical framework that guides individuals' behaviour and decision-making. A decrease in religion could lead to a perceived lack of shared values, potentially leading to moral relativism and ethical dilemmas in society.

• Community and Social Cohesion: Religions often serve as a focal point for communities and provide a sense of belonging and social cohesion. Decreased religious involvement might result in the weakening of these community ties and shared social experiences.

• Charitable and Social Services: Religious organisations often engage in charitable and social services, such as running soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and disaster relief efforts. A decline in religious involvement might lead to a reduction in these services, impacting vulnerable populations.

• Cultural Heritage: Religion has historically played a significant role in shaping cultural heritage, art, architecture, literature, and traditions. A decrease in religious influence might lead to a loss of these cultural elements.

• Sense of Purpose and Meaning: For many people, religion provides a sense of purpose, meaning, and answers to existential questions. A lack of religion could contribute to feelings of emptiness or a search for alternative sources of meaning.

• Psychological Benefits: Religious beliefs and practices can provide psychological benefits such as comfort, hope, and coping mechanisms during difficult times. A decrease in religiosity might impact individuals' psychological well-being.

• Conflict and Cooperation: While religion can foster cooperation and unity within a community, it has also been a source of conflict throughout history. A decrease in religious divisions might reduce certain types of conflicts, but new divisions could emerge in its absence.

If a shift is to continue to occur then something will need to take religions place, or at the very least offer people new ways to access these benefits.

My proposal is that this force should be ART.

ART AS A NEW FORM OF SPIRITUALITY

Art has played a significant role in human history since the beginning of times. I became fascinated with theater after learning how it originated (or at least was popularised) in Ancient Greece. From cave paintings to drunken performances and devotional rituals, art has contributed to and shaped our understanding of the world, the universe and ourselves since our origin. The act of creation is inherent to the human psyche, we are own gods in this way; creating things that push us towards a new vision of the future. This process of ideation into externalised creation is the very essence of art and something that has and will continue to give meaning to millions, if not billions, of people worldwide.

With the aforementioned separation from religion, many individuals and communities will begin looking for new structures of meaning creation and interpretation. These endeavours will ultimately lead many people into questioning themselves and looking inwards (as signalled by the monumental rise of “spirituality”, “retreats” and “psychedelics”). Self discovery and personal development is “in”, but it lacks the universal groundedness that is required for cultural transition and transformation. From my point of view, creativity and the creation of art is the most flexible yet conceptually palatable container for this movement away from religious doctrine and into a world of empowered individuals who contribute towards one or many larger communities.

The first step of this process is the redefinition and reconfiguration of the relationship between art and creativity. For too long “ART” has been seen as a serious, often pretentious and status driven industry, wherein the disposable income of a wealthy few offers salvation to several lucky individuals who rise up out of the tidal wave of “starving artists” who beg, borrow and steal to get themselves “seen”. This has started to shift with the rise of social technologies and new methods for art to transcend its self grandising high horse and become a reflection of the much more digestible and flexible concept of “creativity”. Creativity has become a big word in business and media, and at the same time has started to be challenged by the rise of new technologies (AI for example). Art has therefore become more commercial, more socially accessible (through advertising and content creation), but also less “spiritual”.

I have worked at large scale festivals in Australia and as a producer’s assistant on Broadway, as well as an independent artist trying to stage live experiences and exhibitions around the world. The reality is, art has gotten boring and disconnected from the true essence of creativity - PROCESS. For majority of the population art and creativity are represented in finished products. We aspire to be “famous”, “successful” and “respected” on the back of our completed projects as artists, filmmakers, theater-makers, actors etc. But this focus on the end product creates an unfortunate misunderstanding of where creativity truly flourishes. It is reflected at the big awards shows alongside beaurocracy, politics and superficial bullshit, but the real creativity is the process through which an Idea became manifest in the real world, and for a lot of artists (commercially successful or not) that process is, for lack of a better word, spiritual.

Beyond the trophies and accolades, applause and social capital, art offers individuals and communities a pathway to the divine. We see this in the roll of dance in Balinese culture and trance ritual in India. The dancers are often possessed by some “God-like” force that articulates itself through creativity, while the Guru’s and priests become “producers” of experiences that blur the lines between known reality and something more. Looking back to the Ancient Greeks we see theater operating as a devotional and communal act that saw celebrations of life, morality, democracy and love. The theater wasn’t a place to be simply “entertained”, but a space to connect with the Muses, with god and with the community. The theater wasn’t a place for old rich white people to spend $90 a ticket so that they can wank each others ego’s off as “patrons of the arts” - It was a place where everyone could attend, for FREE, and connect in communal devotion.

With this understanding, we see that art and creativity have been stretched in western society to represent the same structural inequalities of capitalism. The business model in most respects is FUCKED. Most arts industries (especially in Australia) are controlled by the government (and or wealthy donors) and that means that creative censorship, political posturing and monopolisation of creative output is infused within the arts economy. Art is not for the people by the people anymore. It is not about process driven discoveries and ritualistic revelry - it is boring, tame and outcome focussed. It is designed to serve the investors, politicians and the clientele that they entertain so that they can all get hard while pretending like they aren’t fucking us all in ass.

Art is bigger than that. Creativity is for everyone and it should be accessible as a way in which we learn to know ourselves, our communities and our shared place in the world. There should be no censorship, no “political correctness” and no labelling of good or bad art. A new framework is needed to see art as a process for transformation, education and experience. The model should include financial incentives, and develop a new market that leverages those existing audiences, but also empowers new audiences to feel like they are welcome into artistic/creative spaces. I have been working in the arts for nearly 10 years now and I still don’t feel welcome/comfortable rocking up to an art exhibition opening or post-show celebration, because the culture is more concerned with political performitivity that honest, authentic communication. We must normalise critical feedback, broader business ambitions and cross-cultural collaboration (not for the sake of being “woke” but for the sake that art is better when the creative team empowers diverse perspectives and embodies intercultural understanding). Virtue signalling should be called out, and the whole framework of “emerging artists” should be scrapped - you are an artist! We should also look for new ways to connect art to audiences that challenge the over-complicated systems and middle-men focussed procedures that create limitations on creative expression.

I could ramble on this for days, but I think I’ll spend some more time consolidating these thoughts into some more structured form over the next few months. The point is ART is for everyone and it is essential as a space for facilitating individual and communal growth. I believe that if art and the creative process is made more accessible and spaces for exploration and experimentation are set up, then it has the capacity to become this new form of religion. By this I mean to suggest that creativity can become a pathway through which we as individuals and communities discover, uncover and interpret meaning. Our worship of the universe, it’s complexities, positives and negatives, and inarticulatability becomes a process of discovery rather than a defined practice of obedience. We connect with like-minded people, in like-minded places whether art is our “job” or not, curating experiences that help us all to learn, grow and transcend the limitations of our mind, social systems and corruptions.

One plus one can equal three if we have the ideological openness, physical space and communal framework to support such an equation.

So this brings me to the first step. I think the first step starts with a physical space. A creative gym of sorts. We spend a lot of time and money working on our physical and mental health but very few of us invest in developing our creative health. We need a space that democratises creativity and gives everyone access to community driven creative practice. Spaces that empower like-minded people to come together, collaborate, ideate and implement. Spaces where resources, mentorship and general creative materials are provided for the benefit of everyone. Places where the community can learn from one another, generating a social education effect that parallels the expansion of information through social media. These spaces offer everyday people access to creative liberation and artists spaces to expand their practice without the “seriousness” and inherited performitivity of the industry at large. These can also become spaces for the tech, business, and arts industries to commingle and collaborate, learning to speak the same language in an open space that promotes integration across industries.

No more bullshit. No more performitivity. Let’s create, connect and collaborate to generate an arts industry that is more sustainable, more culturally relevant and more accessible.

So yeah, this is where my brain is at. This is how I am interpreting the world at this moment in time. These are the ideas that I am working to turn into a reality over the next 5-15 years. I believe that change is needed in the arts industry and in the world. I believe in shifting mindsets and empowering communities to invest in their creativity, and ultimately I believe that there is an increasing population of people around the world who crave something more from themselves, from the media landscape, and from the way in which they create and interpret meaning. I believe art and creativity can become a unifying force that draws off of the influence of religious systems, to make the world a more interesting and exciting place.

If you are a fan of these ideas or even if you disagree, I’d love to hear your thoughts and perspectives!

Stay Weird,

Zed