The quote from William T. Vollmann's book "Europe Central" emphasizes the perspective of Communists regarding art and its impact on society. According to this viewpoint, art should have tangible, measurable effects on people's lives. If a piece of art fails to influence or improve the conditions of the masses, it is deemed irrelevant or not worthy of being called "people's art." This underscores a strong belief in art's role as a tool for social change and collective empowerment.
This premise encourages artists to create work that resonates with the needs and struggles of ordinary people. The idea is that art should not exist in isolation but should actively engage with and reflect the realities of life, thereby fostering a connection between art and the populace. In doing so, art can become a catalyst for progress and a powerful means of expressing collective sentiment, reinforcing the belief that art should serve the people.