The Harmony of the Society and Art in Sudha Murthy's Children's Literature

“Art is not what you see, but what you think and feel about the world’’---- Edger Degas. It is said that art and culture are deeply connected. They cannot exist without each other. Art is the creative expression of human emotions, thoughts, and experiences, while culture is the shared way of life of a group of people — including their traditions, beliefs, civilization, way of life, values, and customs. Art reflects culture, and culture gives meaning and direction to art. The relationship between art and culture shows how people express who they are and how they live. Art grows out of culture. Every society creates its own forms of art — paintings, music, dance, literature, architecture, and crafts — that represent its history and identity. For example, Indian classical dance expresses devotion and spirituality, while folk songs reflect the joys and sorrows of rural life. Similarly, art from different countries shows the diversity of their cultural experiences. Through art, people preserve their culture and heritage and pass it on to the next generation. The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life of our souls’’------ Pablo Picasso Culture also shapes how we understand and value art. What one society considers beautiful or meaningful may differ in another culture. For instance, tribal art focuses on community life and nature, while modern art often expresses individual emotions and struggles. This shows that art is not only a personal creation but also a social and cultural product. At the same time, art influences culture, tradition, heritage and civilization. It can change people’s ideas, inspire social movements, and create unity. Artists use their work to question injustice, promote peace, and celebrate human dignity. In this way, art becomes a powerful force for cultural growth and transformation. When people experience art — through stories, music, or images — they connect with emotions and ideas that help them understand their culture better. The relationship between art and culture is therefore both reflective and dynamic. Art mirrors the culture from which it arises, and culture evolves through artistic innovation. Together, they help humanity record its past, understand its present, and imagine its future.