What’s Art Got to Do With It?
In light of events surrounding the culmination of Dave Chappelle's Netflix specials, I got to thinking about art and asked myself some questions. Is it as boundless as we pledge? Or is it contingent upon if everyone likes it?
By now, we should know that every form of art is subjective and hit or miss depending on the critic. There isn't an artist in the world that doesn't pour their hearts and souls into their work; I know this because I am one. It doesn't matter how minuscule or vast the project is. I cannot, WILL NOT half-ass it.
I may not have the latest gear and electronics or an ample number of followers on social media, but what I have and know now is more than enough to continue pursuing what I love to do, which is create. I'm an avid scholar, constantly evolving upon becoming introspective, so I am not saying that I haven't the desire to discover and accomplish more. In the end, I know I will and am doing what is in my power to reach my highest potential.
At any rate, the labor of love I feel for my babies [opuses] is infinite; like other artists, I can only hope that there'll be people out there that find me by divine direction and see the light and value in me and what I offer. However, there will be, and I am sure, has been already, individuals that have seen what I do and are not thoroughly impressed or moved by it.
That doesn't make me crumble as it did years ago because I know who I am and have every intention to keep being and doing me regardless of what others think. Another reason is that there is room in the end, not just for me but for all of us. It is impossible to satisfy everyone because everything is not for everybody. Artists are chefs with acquired flavors on our menu, and some folks won't like the taste; does it mean it's wretched? I don't think so; instead, it isn't for you.
Think about giving a bad review online after visiting a restaurant for the first time; how often does the restaurant close permanently? Hardly, right? And do you know why? Because there will always be curious passersby and loyal consumers that discern what you didn’t and enjoy visiting, viewing, listening, or experiencing whatever it is.
Art is its creator’s macrocosm! The only person qualified to say what does or doesn’t belong there is the maker himself. Several tourists may enter, but few will stay, and that few are all the creative needs; art is boundless, as its purpose is to produce emotion. Art should also make one think outside of their own spaces and consider the perspectives of others.
Finally, the higher road to take, yet harder for some, is to agree to disagree with the artist, those that understand him and MOVE ON. The amount of energy one often puts into rebuking another person could be the same energy they pour into themselves; turn the negative into a positive! And if you dare, be the change you’d like to see. Otherwise, shut the fuck up.
RESPECTFULLY.
