The Four Freedoms: An Artist’s Perspective
The Statue of Liberty, represents Freedom as she welcomes people from near and far into the USA.
The Art of Freedom: The Importance of Freedom in a Democracy
I have been pondering the state of our nation, and I find that almost everyone I encounter shares similar concerns. Conversations seem to circle around uncertainty and anxieties—What do all these changes that are happening mean for our country? Are the freedoms we’ve long cherished as solid as we thought? What can we do to keep our democratic way of life?
Rockwell's "Four Freedoms," Saturday Evening Post, US Govt. Print.
Last night, in my sleeplessness, I found myself thinking (or was it worrying?) about our freedom of speech. It is a right we Americans often take for granted, yet lately, I feel its edges fraying. In that quiet hour, images of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms came to mind—those timeless paintings that once felt like a given but now seem more like a question.
I felt compelled to learn more about them.
And so, as I researched the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. What do they mean today? Have we upheld them? Have we failed? What does freedom really look like? And how easily can it disappear?Through this research and writing, I hope to seek answers.
Franklin D. Roosevelt came up with the Four Freedoms in 1941. During his speech he painted a picture of a world where everyone had the right to speak and expression, worship, be free from fear, and free from want. It was an inspiring vision—one that shaped post-war democracy. In the speech he also described the foundations of a “healthy and strong democracy” as follows:
Equality of opportunity for youth and others
Jobs for those who can work
Security for those who need it
The ending of special privilege for a few
The preservation of civil liberties for all
The enjoyment of the fruits of scientific progress in a wider and constantly rising standard of living
But history teaches us that these foundations and freedoms are not something we can take for granted simply because we are Americans. Just a year after that inspiring speech, Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which sent over 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps, stripping them of their basic rights. The contradiction is stark: while fighting for freedom abroad, America was denying it to its own citizens.
The Contradiction of Freedom and Oppression
The Four Freedoms—freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear—were meant to define the moral high ground of American democracy as the country prepared to enter World War II. They were ideals that Roosevelt hoped would shape the postwar world, emphasizing dignity and security for all.
Yet, freedom from fear, one of the key tenets, was weaponized against an entire group of people. The fear of espionage and disloyalty, not based on evidence but racial prejudice, led the U.S. government to suspend the civil liberties of thousands of Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. Families were forced to leave their homes, businesses, and possessions behind and were relocated to internment camps in remote areas.
The Fragility of Democracy and Freedom
This dark chapter in American history underscores how freedom is not free or self-sustaining—it must be actively defended and protected. Even as Roosevelt spoke of an idealized democracy, the very same administration justified extreme measures that directly contradicted those ideals. This contradiction serves as a warning for us today:
Fear Can Undermine Rights
The hysteria and paranoia following the attack on Pearl Harbor allowed the government to suspend civil liberties with minimal opposition.
This is a reminder that crises (and changes in administrations) often lead to an expansion of power at the expense of individual freedoms.
Democracy is Only as Strong as Its Protections
The U.S. government later admitted that the Japanese internment camps were a grave injustice, with President Reagan issuing a formal apology in 1988 and awarding reparations.
However, the ease with which freedoms were revoked in 1942 highlights how vulnerable democracy can be, especially when our leaders exploit fear and disinformation to justify authoritarian actions as we are seeing happen today.
Selective Freedom is Not True Freedom
The Four Freedoms were supposed to be universal, yet they were not extended to all Americans.
This echoes today’s plight, where freedom is often shaped by those in power, which persons or entities are seen as a threat, and whose rights are considered expendable.
The Importance of the Arts in Challenging Times
Despite my love of the arts and all the time I spend teaching, discussing, creating, or thinking about creating art. I have, at times, been overcome with self-doubt, wondering if the world of art is too frivolous and self-indulgent. But history tells us otherwise.
As I was looking for this validation, I recalled a quote by Winston Churchill during WWII advocating the importance of art. Winston Churchill, a man known for his wartime savvy and leadership, spoke passionately about the importance of the arts in society. In fact he partook in painting himself, painting whenever he had moments available he could be found oil painting. For Churchill, art wasn’t a distraction from the world’s crises—it was a response to them. Art records history, inspires courage, and bridges generations. The arts are able to depict the stories of struggle and resilience. When the world is at war and in turmoil; when people are fighting for their rights, struggling to survive, or navigating uncertainty, it’s easy to question whether painting, writing, or creating matters. In 1938, as the world stood on the brink of war, he reminded people that:
"The arts are essential to any complete national life. The State owes it to itself to sustain and encourage them. Ill fares the race which fails to salute the arts with the reverence and delight which are their due.”
Churchill's words resonate with me as I write this post about the Four Freedoms. My own doubts—the ones that whisper that making art is self-indulgent—are the same doubts that countless artists have faced throughout history. But Churchill’s words remind me that art is not separate from democracy; it is one of its guardians.
Image is provided by a third party called Unsplash
The Power of Art in Times of Crisis
During times of war, revolution, and uncertainty, artists have always stood at the front lines—not with weapons, but with paintbrushes, cameras, voices, and words. From the protest murals of Diego Rivera to Picasso’s Guernica, from the poetry of Maya Angelou to the music of Nina Simone, art has amplified voices, resisted oppression, and told the stories that might otherwise be erased.
Churchill understood that art is not just decoration—it is a record, a protest, and a force for unity. That is why authoritarian regimes always seek to control or suppress it. If freedom is at risk, so is art. And if art is thriving, it means freedom still breathes.
Making Sense of Chaos through Art
The world can feel overwhelming. When I’m bombarded with news of conflict, injustice, and suffering, my instinct is to either shut down or throw myself into action. But the truth is, art is a form of action. It gives me a way to process worry and fear—my own and the world’s—and transform it into something meaningful.
When words fail, paint speaks.
When logic falls short, creativity bridges the gaps.
When the world feels fractured, art weaves new connections.
Creating doesn’t mean ignoring reality; it means responding to it in a way that helps us find clarity, hope, or at the very least, a moment of pause in the noise. Other artist friends have been expressing similar feelings. As they, too, question if their art is irrelevant during these trying times, it is an outlet, a spiritual connection and a source of comfort in the midst of chaos.
Is Making Art Self-Indulgent? Or Is It Necessary?
That nagging voice that tells me art is self-indulgent I mentioned above? I’ve started to recognize it for what it is—fear and guilt disguised as logic. But here’s the truth:
Art has always been a force for change, from political murals to protest music to poetry that shakes the soul.
Art gives people permission to feel, reflect, and hope—things that are essential in times of crisis.
Art is a record of humanity, documenting struggles, triumphs, and emotions in a way history books cannot.
When I think about the paintings, songs, and films that have moved me, I realize that the artists behind them probably had moments of doubt too. But their work mattered. It mattered because they created it in spite of their uncertainty.
The Act of Creating as Resistance and Restoration
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, making art is an act of resistance. It’s a way of saying: I am here. I feel. I see. I care.
It is also an act of self-restoration. When I paint, I return to myself. I reclaim my energy, process my emotions, and make sense of things in a way that feels deeply personal but also universal.
So, how do I heal as an artist?
I let myself create without need for justification. Not every piece has to have a “greater purpose.” Sometimes, making art just for myself is enough.
I remind myself that beauty, reflection, and storytelling are valuable. They always have been.
I connect. Whether it’s sharing my work, collaborating with other artists, or simply discussing ideas, creativity thrives in community.
The world may be in turmoil, but art remains a way to hold onto hope, to witness, to document, and to imagine a better future. That is not self-indulgence. That is necessary.
Art as a Gift to the World
If you ever feel like (your) art doesn’t matter, think of the times when someone else’s creation moved you. Art is not about solving the world’s problems—it’s about reminding us why the world is worth fighting for in the first place.
And that? That is anything but self-indulgent.
I spend much of my time creating - or thinking about creating. Occasionally, however, those self-deprecating those show their ugly heads and I worry the act of making art is self-indulgent especially when the world is in turmoil. I know though that the arts are a basic human need. Self-expression is a powerful tool I’ve felt a deep urgency to use my art to speak to something larger than myself—the state of our democracy, the fragile nature of freedom, and the responsibility we all share in preserving it. As an artist, I tend to explore personal themes, but this time, I feel called to create something that reflects a collective truth.
Art has long served as a profound medium for freedom of expression, enabling individuals to convey ideas, emotions, and critiques that might be challenging to articulate through conventional discourse. This expressive power is not only a testament to human creativity but also a cornerstone of democratic societies that uphold the right to free speech. In the United States, the First Amendment offers robust protection for artistic endeavors, severely limiting governmental authority to censor artistic works. This protection extends across various mediums, including books, theatrical works, paintings, and digital media. Such legal safeguards ensure that artists can explore and present diverse ideas without undue interference, fostering a culture where creativity and free expression thrive. (The Free Speech CenterAmerican Civil Liberties Union)
Throughout history, art has played a pivotal role in reflecting societal conditions and advocating for transformation. For instance, the National Art Education Association (NAEA) recognizes the arts as powerful tools for expressing ideas, emotions, and responding to social justice issues and current events. By highlighting injustices and envisioning new possibilities, artists contribute to societal discourse and progress.
Throughout history, art has played a pivotal role in reflecting societal conditions and advocating for transformation. For instance, the National Art Education Association (NAEA) recognizes the arts as powerful tools for expressing ideas, emotions, and responding to social justice issues and current events. By highlighting injustices and envisioning new possibilities, artists contribute to societal discourse and progress.
Challenges to Artistic Freedom
Despite its protected status, artistic expression often encounters challenges such as censorship and societal pushback. Organizations like (UNESCO) stress the importance of defending artists' rights to freedom of expression, particularly when their work challenges social norms or champions human rights. These challenges highlight the ongoing need to uphold and protect the freedoms that allow art to serve as a mirror and catalyst for society. But as we know, these protected freedoms are fragile and at risk.
Churchill’s words made me realize something profound: art is, itself, an act of freedom. Throughout history, when societies have sought to control people, they have silenced artists, banned books, and destroyed works of dissent. Why? Because creativity is dangerous to oppression—it questions, it resists, it remembers.
This is why I feel compelled to explore the Four Freedoms through my own art. Not as nostalgic relics, but as living, contested principles.
What does Freedom of Speech look like in a world where voices are silenced?
What does Freedom of Worship mean in a society divided by belief?
How can we claim Freedom from Want when economic inequality grows?
Are we truly Free from Fear, or has fear simply taken on new forms?
Through this blog and my upcoming Four Freedoms art series, I hope to wrestle with these questions.
Photo by Joseph Chan@yulokchan
What Can I do to advocate for freedom?
1. Engage with Advocacy Organizations:
Numerous nonpartisan groups are dedicated to safeguarding democratic principles. For example, Protect Democracy works to prevent authoritarian actions and strengthen democratic institutions through legal action, advocacy, and public engagement. Another organization, Stand Up America, focuses on grassroots advocacy to combat corruption and promote voting rights and democracy reforms. Additionally, Equal Citizens aims to ensure equal representation and voting rights through litigation and advocacy efforts.
2. Participate in Civic Engagement:
Active participation in the democratic process is crucial. This includes voting in all elections, attending town halls, engaging in public forums, and communicating with your elected representatives to express your views on policies and legislation. Organizations like Move to Amend advocate for constitutional amendments to reduce corporate influence in politics, aiming to ensure that democratic processes reflect the will of the people.
3. Support Legal Reforms:
Advocating for legal reforms can address systemic issues within our democracy. For instance, supporting initiatives that aim to overturn decisions like Citizens United v. FEC can help reduce the influence of money in politics. Move to Amend is actively working towards such reforms by promoting the “We the People” Amendment to establish that constitutional rights are reserved for natural persons only and to regulate political spending.
4. Educate and Mobilize Your Community:
Raising awareness about democratic challenges and mobilizing others to participate in the democratic process can amplify your impact. This can involve organizing community discussions, educational events, or local advocacy campaigns. Engaging with local chapters of national organizations or forming new groups focused on democratic engagement can foster a more informed and active citizenry. Attending PEACEFUL protest marches such as https://www.fiftyfifty.one/.
5. Utilize Legal Channels:
If you believe that specific actions by government officials are undermining democracy, consider supporting or initiating legal challenges through the court system. Collaborating with legal advocacy organizations can provide the necessary resources and expertise for such efforts. For example, Democracy Forward has been involved in legal actions to challenge policies that they believe harm democratic processes.
6. Stay Informed:
Keeping abreast of current events and understanding the nuances of policy decisions are vital. Reliable news sources and analyses can provide insights into potential threats to democracy and inform your advocacy efforts. For instance, recent discussions have highlighted concerns about potential overreach by political figures and the importance of legal and civic responses to such challenges.
I invite you to join me. Let’s start a conversation—because if we want to keep living in the “home of the free and the land of the brave”, we must be brave enough to take action to defend it.
Peace,
Inga
