Art has been an integral part of human existence for tens of thousands of years, from the cave paintings of Lascaux to the digital masterpieces that flood the Internet today.

The impulse to create, to make something out of nothing, seems to be deeply embedded in our species. But why is this? What is it that compels us to paint, sculpt, dance, and sing? While the reasons are as varied as the forms of art themselves, there are several key forces that drive humans to create art: self-expression, communication, emotional release, societal influence, and, surprisingly, biology.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for creating art is the need for self-expression. Art allows individuals to convey thoughts, feelings, and identities that may be difficult or impossible to express through words alone. Whether through a painting, a poem, or a piece of music, artists channel their innermost thoughts into a form that others can perceive. Take, for example, Vincent van Gogh's swirling skies in Starry Night or Frida Kahlo's deeply personal self-portraits. Each of these pieces offers a glimpse into the mind and emotions of the artist at the time of creation. Van Gogh’s work conveys the intensity of his inner turmoil, while Kahlo’s paintings explore themes of identity, suffering, and resilience. Both artists struggled with personal hardship and found in art a way to grapple with their pain. This drive to express oneself is not limited to emotionally fraught experiences. Even in mundane moments, we feel the desire to leave a personal imprint on the world. From doodling in the margins of a notebook to singing in the shower, we find joy in making something uniquely our own. It’s a way of asserting, "I am here, and this is how I see the world."

Creating art can also serve as a form of emotional release or catharsis. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle wrote about how tragedy in theater had the power to cleanse the audience of negative emotions, a process he called “catharsis.” This concept is not limited to theater; art in all its forms can serve as an outlet for emotion. When we pour our frustrations, fears, or joys into a piece of art, we often feel a sense of relief and renewal. The psychological benefits of art are well documented, such as by researcher Vicky Karkou and her collaborators. Art therapy, for example, is used to help individuals process trauma, grief, and anxiety. By creating art, individuals externalize their emotions, allowing them to process difficult experiences in a safe and controlled way. The very act of creation becomes a therapeutic process, helping individuals to gain perspective and find healing. As I reflect, I wonder: How many of us have found comfort in simply sketching or painting, not for an audience but for our own peace of mind?

Art, however, is not just about individual expression, it’s also about communication. Historically, before the advent of writing, humans used art to convey complex stories, ideas, and shared experiences. The ancient cave paintings of Lascaux, for instance, may have served as a form of storytelling or a way to pass down important cultural knowledge. These visual records offer insights into how prehistoric humans lived, what animals they encountered, and even the rituals they may have practiced. Even in the modern world, art continues to serve as a powerful medium for communication. Political cartoons, street murals, and artwork shared on social media can influence public opinion, incite movements, and challenge societal norms. The work of Banksy, for instance, merges art and activism, commenting on issues like capitalism, consumerism, and war in ways that words alone often fail to achieve. Art can also cross language barriers. A powerful image or a stirring piece of music can resonate with people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds, conveying meaning in ways that are universally understood. In this sense, art is a bridge that connects people, making it possible to communicate ideas and emotions that transcend spoken language.

While communication is a critical reason as to why humans create art, societal influence cannot be ignored. Throughout history, art has often been used as a tool for reinforcing cultural norms, religious beliefs, and political ideologies. The grand cathedrals of medieval Europe, for instance, were not just places of worship, they were also symbols of the power and authority of the Church. Artists are also influenced by the societal conditions in which they live. Movements like Impressionism and Surrealism were, in many ways, responses to the political, economic, and social climates of their time. Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, painted in response to the bombing of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War, is a striking example of how art can serve as a reaction to political events. The massive, monochromatic painting captures the chaos, suffering, and destruction wrought by the conflict, making a powerful anti-war statement. Today, social media and globalization have accelerated the pace at which art is shared and consumed. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have democratized the art world, allowing anyone with a smartphone to create and share their work with a global audience. This digital landscape has also fostered new forms of artistic collaboration, as creators from different cultures and disciplines come together to produce innovative and hybrid forms of art.

While cultural and emotional factors clearly play a role in our desire to create art, some researchers, such as Dahlia Zaidel, argue that there may be a biological basis for this impulse as well. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that art may have developed as a way to enhance social cohesion, attract mates, or demonstrate intelligence and creativity, traits that were advantageous for survival. In his book The Art Instinct, philosopher Denis Dutton argues that the appreciation of beauty and the urge to create art may be hardwired into the human brain. He points to the universality of art across all cultures as evidence of this. From the intricate patterns found in indigenous pottery to the haunting melodies of traditional folk songs, every human society has produced some form of art, suggesting that the impulse to create is a fundamental aspect of our species. Neuroscience also offers insights into the biological roots of art. Studies using brain imaging have shown that creating art activates the brain’s reward centers, releasing dopamine, the same chemical that is triggered by pleasurable activities like eating or listening to music. This neurochemical response may explain why humans find the act of creation so intrinsically satisfying, even when it serves no practical purpose. When you think about it, isn’t it fascinating that our brains reward us simply for the act of creating, reinforcing a behavior that seems fundamental to who we are?

The drive to create art is complex and multifaceted. It is shaped by individual desires for self-expression and emotional release, influenced by societal norms and political climates, and perhaps even rooted in our biology. Yet, no matter the reason, art continues to hold a central place in human life. It allows us to communicate across boundaries, make sense of our experiences, and leave a lasting mark on the world. In a rapidly changing world, where technology and globalization are transforming how art is made and shared, one thing remains constant: the human drive to create. As long as people seek to understand themselves, connect with others, and find meaning in life, art will continue to flourish, evolving in new and unexpected ways. And while the forms may change, the fundamental impulse to make something beautiful, meaningful, or provocative will remain as deeply rooted in the human experience as it has been for millennia. So the next time you sketch, sing, or dance, consider this: you’re not just creating something external, you’re fulfilling an intrinsic part of what it means to be human.

Sources:

Dutton, Dennis. The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution. Oxford University Press, 2009.

Gharib, Malaka. “Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain.” NPR, January 11, 2020. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/11/795010044/feeling-artsy-heres-how -making-art-helps-your-brain.

Karkou, Vicky et al. “Editorial: The Psychological and Physiological Benefits of the Arts.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 13, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.840089 .

Zaidel, Dahlia W. “Creativity, Brain, and Art: Biological and Neurological Considerations.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 8, 2014. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00389.