The Effects of Natural Disasters on Art Through the Eyes of Art Students

Abstract

Natural disasters are events with devastating effects that cause significant damage to people, the environment or economic systems as a result of natural events. These events are phenomena that are not usually under the control of humans, and take place in the natural balance of nature. These events not only affect human life, the environment and society, but also have both negative and positive effects on art, artists and works of art. However, these effects are not always limited to material damage or changes. Disasters can cause the destruction of works of art, which are our cultural heritage, as well as nourish art. Art has such a wide spectrum that it can reflect all kinds of experiences people have. This research is about how art students see the positive and negative effects of natural disasters on art. With the answers given to the semi-structured questions, the opinions of the university students receiving art education about the effects of natural disasters on art were determined and interpreted. As a result of these comments, it was aimed to determine the awareness level of the youth as natural disasters are expected to increase gradually due to factors such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, and increase in human population. Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared for natural disasters, develop risk management strategies, mitigate the negative effects of disasters, and most importantly raise awareness among young people.