Do you believe that art should always have a message or theme?

The question of whether art should always convey a message or theme is both nuanced and subjective. On one hand, art that encapsulates a clear message can provoke thought and inspire societal change, thus fulfilling a significant role in culture and discourse. For instance, works like Picasso’s "Guernica" resonate deeply because they address the tragedies of war, making them impactful. Conversely, there is immense value in art that exists purely for aesthetic appreciation, free from the burden of interpretation. Abstract art, for instance, invites a personal emotional response, allowing viewers to engage with it on a visceral level without predetermined constraints. In essence, while thematic art undoubtedly enriches cultural dialogues, the merit of art lies in its diversity—both in purpose and expression, allowing for a spectrum of human experience.