Final answer:
Connecting with a cause in art refers to engaging with artwork that represents larger ideas or issues, often to elicit emotional responses or promote societal reflection. Works like 'Cause and Effect' and Titus Kaphar's amended historical paintings are examples of art fostering connections with social or cultural causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
To connect with a cause in art means to engage with artwork that resonates with or represents a larger idea, issue, or set of values, often with the aim of eliciting emotional responses or promoting societal reflection. This can be seen in the sculpture Cause and Effect (8.2.19), where 1,200 resin figures are used to represent the interconnectedness of individuals within a society, suggesting the concept of collective support and the impact of actions within a community. Similarly, Titus Kaphar's work challenges historical narratives by manipulating traditional art forms to reveal underlying social and cultural truths, thereby fostering a connection with causes related to social justice and historical memory.
Furthermore, as the LibreTexts mentions, sometimes art is about the experience itself—its colors, shapes, and forms, rather than a specific intellectual challenge. On the other hand, Gregor's quote emphasizes art as a spiritual necessity that connects us across time. Art and human emotion are deeply intertwined, with many artists striving to create works that go beyond pure aesthetics and stimulate feelings, curiosity, or creativity, effectively linking culture and art.