Artist, Painting and Nation

Painting reveals individual point of view about life of each artist; however through the painting we can view art of each period, where the spirit of age is present - social customs and aspirations, idols and political situation, scientific, cultural, fashion and other social aspects. With participation of artists, art is an instrument to unite a nation. Whether this instrument is used purposefully or artists’ activities are naturally incorporated in awareness of nation, the process of forming and content interpretation is dependent on interaction between artist and national art institutions. In article artists’ activities in the field of art are analyzed in interaction with national art institutions, what are significant holders of symbolic capital. Such a research enables to determine further forms of cooperation between artists and national art institutions. In general, results of such an analysis help to clarify the significance of artist’s activities in creation of national art, either directly being involved in activities of national art institutions or receiving support for their creative work, or disassociating from political processes. The analysis of artists’ opinion regarding the role of art and artists in the development and existence of nation can help to determine possible tendencies in transformation of nation concept.