Visual Arts Efforts in Peace and Conflict Resolution: A Review of Selected Exhibits

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of peace is a universal quest in the hearts of many people. Individuals and corporate organizations and the world as a whole, tend to strive for peaceful co-existence among each other, in the face of mounting crises in the society, hence, the place of visual arts in social commentary cannot be overemphasized. Artists have created works which serve as statements on certain crises situations, wars and ravaging famine, as a result of conflicts (ethnic and religious), and outrage to certain social, economic or political manipulations. The potency of visual arts in propagating peace issues in the society cannot be overemphasised. In this article, which is an ongoing Ph.D. research, an attempt is made at reviewing some exhibits that deal with peace and conflict resolution, commentaries by artists to advance the art of painting and sculpture in the interdisciplinary approach to peacebuilding. The paper concludes by drawing inferences from the exhibits reviewed and calling on the relevant people and agencies to encourage more exhibits in public spaces for better understanding. Key words: Visual arts, peace, conflict resolution, exhibits