In our fandom, there are many talented ARMYs who communicate through art, who let their creations speak on their behalf. Writing, performing, painting, acting, composing – these are just a few of the numerous artforms that ARMYs use to speak themselves.
Letting people hear what they have to say and posting their artwork on social media is a way of allowing people to witness their art and connect to it, to communicate with them and share themselves with others, just like BTS does.
BTS is keen on art; everyone knows this. Their dance choreographies, the scenography of the stage, the creative lighting, and everything that is part of their performance aim to communicate something, to make their music resonate more intensely with the audience.
Their performance at MAMA 2018 in Hong Kong will remain unforgettable for ARMY. The emotions conveyed by the performance and the amazing stage work made all their hard work and talent visible in every second of it. They execute art in every form.
BTS has been teaching us how to love ourselves for the past years. Communicating what we feel and sharing who we are without fear, is a way to show that we’re learning how to love ourselves. ARMYs demonstrate this by posting their artwork on social media, which leads to an extraordinary variety of art reaching every corner of the world and making thousands of people smile, cry, empathize, and feel.
After all, art is a way to enjoy life and a way to make life enjoyable.
Art as a means to communicate.
Appreciating different forms of art is a delight for most people who are passionate about it. From “chibi style” drawings, to portraits, full-body paintings, “AU” and “DIY” challenges, and contests — there are simply so many kinds of art for people to explore and engage with.
Many ARMY artists have posted their work online with the aim to bring comfort to the struggling world. A sweet drawing, a few uplifting words, or a supportive sentence available for someone in dire need of it – we can all reap so much benefit from such media. And when the artwork includes BTS’ lyrics to remind ARMY that their support is mutual and strong, there’s a wholesome kind of joy that sparks within the fans.
Image Credits: encurtador.com.br/huvG6
Just like bqngtae’s Instagram post, a drawing of Taehyung sitting by the stormy sea, the lyrics of “Blue & Grey” reflect the pain of being alone in times of need, while the lyrics of Jimin’s solo song “Promise” remind us that we can (and should) be our own light in the dark.
Some ARMYs like to make small series of these supportive drawings, as drawmybias on Instagram did. This account posted a drawing of each member sitting on the floor and saying encouraging words to anyone reading the post. Truly comforting.
Art as a way to teach and support.
Art can also be a way for people to help others better understand some topics, especially sensitive ones that are otherwise more difficult to convey in regular words. It is a way to educate people on diversity through inclusion of the various forms of expression that people use to show themselves to the world.
Whether it is through color palettes, music sheets, or acting scripts, using one’s talents to spread positivity, awareness, and support for a cause is of huge importance in current times. Due to the pandemic, people are feeling more isolated, and “online warriors” are getting more malicious by the second.
There’s been a lot of talking around inclusiveness and representation, specifically in the world of visual art. Movies and short films can be effective, but so is art. Many artists have worked and continue to work on spreading these topics through art. ARMY artists accomplish this as well, even if their works may only reach a targeted audience.
One of BVM's previous articles talked about BTS’ fashion sense, and ARMY knows very well that our boys are not fond of stereotypes and masculinity standards. Let’s not forget about their photoshoot for Singles Magazine.
Some people find these nonstandard approaches to life quite baffling and inconceivable, but that’s not the case for ARMY. In fact, helping spread awareness on how toxic stereotypes can be is nothing new for ARMY. In terms of fan-created art, accounts such as painted_identity on Instagram, have posted drawings of the boys in outfits that break traditional male stereotypes - for example, a drawing of Yoongi in a skirt.
Image Credits: encurtador.com.br/czBEF
From a social point of view, this drawing could portray the artist’s wish to express themselves how they please. This expression includes the hope to one day break free of all sorts of limiting standards. After all, being open to new things can only help us grow.
ARMYs love to focus on spreading awareness for issues that matter to people, that may affect youth and limit them from unleashing their full potential as ‘adorable representatives.’ Stereotypes about gender norms may cause discrimination; toxic masculinity perpetuates larger societal problems; and a lack of self-love can sow the seeds of mistreatment. Art is a means of educating people, unifying them, and sustaining the feeling of empathy, which in turn inspires people to make changes in the world. People can express themselves however they want through art, whether that manifests as surreal images of Jimin as the Little Prince or a goth version of Yoongi in a skirt as painted_identity did on Instagram.
Art, to keep growing.
ARMYs communicate their personal feelings through art. They interpret BTS’ BU storyline, sometimes give their art a social role, and let their art speak for them. ARMY will stay loyal to Namjoon’s suggestion; we will keep speaking ourselves through art, music, words, and actions because we realize even a single voice can somehow make a difference.
DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.
Written by Antonella
Edited by: Esma
Checked by: Clare