With Lebanon under attack, Iran subject to an intense aerial bombardment and missiles and drones raining down on cities across the Gulf, these are grim times indeed. Little did those of us who gathered so optimistically at Art Basel Qatar just a few weeks ago for the region’s newest art fair know that such death and destruction was literally around the corner.
The toll on human life is palpably horrific, underscored by the shocking scenes of devastated homes, shops, workplaces and other community facilities, including important heritage sites. Yet war does not only destroy cities and infrastructure, it also invades the human mind. Anxiety, grief and uncertainty seep into daily life, making even ordinary moments feel heavy. In such times, art becomes far more than decoration or entertainment. It becomes a quiet but powerful force for mental survival, providing a space for reflection, emotional release, and connection – three elements that psychologists consistently associate with resilience. Art also gives people a language for emotions that are often too complex to express or articulate.
Beyond expression, art reconnects people to their shared humanity. The very character of war divides societies into opposing sides and rigid narratives. Art moves in the opposite direction, reminding us of what we share. A photograph of resilience, a moving film, or a song written in pain can resonate across borders and cultures, restoring empathy in moments when the world feels fractured. History also shows that some of the most meaningful cultural works emerge during periods of turmoil. These creations do not erase suffering, but they help societies understand it by turning trauma into memory and memory into reflection.
Against this backdrop, our theme for this issue is more relevant than ever. We are looking at the power of history and archives in shaping contemporary art and in particular at how creativity, empathy and knowledge can emerge from conflict and trauma. For this reason, if no other, culture should never be seen as a luxury during such times. It is a pillar of resilience. Protecting and supporting artistic expression helps preserve the psychological strength of a society by giving shape to grief and voice to hope. When war darkens the world, art keeps the light on – quietly reminding us that the human spirit can still imagine, create and heal.
