The Importance of Social Connectedness and How it is Experienced Through Art

By: Makeala Lee | makasoft | www.maka.gallery

Social connectedness is imperative to our mental and emotional well-being. When we connect with others, it creates space for the community to be built. Finding our place within that community helps feed our sense of purpose and belonging. Social connectedness can be experienced through art in many ways. Whether it be an art piece that sparks emotion, creates a dialogue, or is curated by being active in a community, social connectedness through art can help us gain new perspectives, challenge our own ideas, and spark inspiration. For me, my creative opportunities would not have been as amazing as they have been if I didn’t connect with other people who have the same interests, passions, and values as me. This is why I often include my experiences and observations from my community in my work.

“Sugar Rush Illustration”

Sugar Rush is an event series that showcases the vibrant nightlife scene in Miami. Akia Dorsainvil, the curator of the event series, chooses DJs that bring transcendent music and lively energy to the scene. Sugar Rush is a piece that shows how the dance floor is a beautiful place where the music is always a powerful force and has been a source of connection between those in attendance.

“Utopia”

If you could take one thing with you to the future what would it be? Utopia visually displays the answer vibrantly. Music has been a constant stream of inspiration, the loudest form of self-expression, and the glue that binds a community of creatives. For centuries music has been a universal language. The power of sound would be imperative for us to bring to the future, as it has led us to gain a sense of togetherness living in an ever-changing world.

“Video Phone”

Video Phone is a digitally curated interpretation of the internet being a vehicle for escapism. Music streaming, media sharing, and virtual platforms play a factor in fostering love, connection, and community in the digital realm. Video Phone reminds us that the world wide web continues to connect our hearts, even though we are miles apart.

The Draw is a space for creatives to share their art, poetry, spoken word, etc. and/or how their art helps themselves and others. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Draw” in the subject line.