Well, artists create works / masterpieces, right? Before creating these works, there must be something that motivates or makes the artists to produce them (the works). This "something" is a motivating factor which could be some ideas or forces or situations from somewhere. SO, let's go back to the sentence. "The artists were asked to make works that show what forces and ideas move them to create." means someone asked these artists to produce some art pieces that could tell others the movitation factor behind their creativity. Hope this helps~

The artists were asked to make works of art that show what motivates them to create as well as the source of inspiration for them.

What new words did the artists make? Why were they asked to make new words instead of using already existing words? Are there not enough words in the English language already? Aren't five hundred thousand words enough to nail down pretty much anything?

the artists were asked so someone asked them to make works, whether paintings , music or the kind of art they do, that reflect their own thoughts, beliefs and the ideals they believe in. so the artists were asked to create works that refelct what makes them do what they do. i think art is a reflection of the society in which the artists live, but sometimes , they can do imaginary things.