From the tales of gods and plagues within Egyptian hieroglyphics to Marvin Gaye pleading that we “Save The Children”, for centuries art has been a sign of the times. Though, throughout history, perspectives have been as varied as the different points of vantage, most creatives of the world were sharing their version of a truth. Artists were having subconscious discussions with one another. They were asking questions, making observations and calls to action.
There are rare examples of a shared awareness but overall the creative culture of today is more deflective than it has ever been.
Instead of gazing inward or outward, most occupants of the western first world are gazing downward at 1 inch by 1 inch squares on pocket sized computers.
This never ending stream of stimuli has shortened the attention span of mankind. It has hindered our collective quest for truth. In this war-torn world who is willing to paint today’s “Guernica”? Despite the murders of Breonna Taylor, Sonya Massey, and the unexplained holding cell hanging of Sandra Bland, we seem to have forgotten Why The Caged Bird Sings. And almost 50 years after The Beatles asked us to “Come Together”, one could say that we’ve never been more distant. This day deserves a poet, a painter and a pianist that care about the people.
We need rhythms reflective of revolution. Once that spark is ignited, it needs to be filmed and photographed. We need lyrics and literature that inspire the hearts of our youth, giving change a chance for longevity.
We need one another; we need art, creation and movement that is HONEST.