The True Artist Helps The World By Revealing Mythic Truths
2015 | Essay | Self-published, physical print and digital | Cover design by: Roel van Eekelen
At its heart, this essay examines the tension between two contrasting artistic mentalities. The first mentality embraces the romantic ideal of the artist as an autonomous genius. Here, the focus lies on the personal and emotional connection to the work, as if the artist becomes one with their creation, unconcerned with external influences or societal context. This approach celebrates the purity of artistic expression, driven by intuition and an almost mystical devotion to the act of making.
In contrast, the second mentality adopts a socially engaged, critically aware perspective, where the artist is deeply conscious of their role within the world and their surroundings. In this approach, the artist does not simply create for the sake of making but strategically positions their work to engage with broader societal discourses. This form of practice seeks to challenge norms, provoke thought, and inspire dialogue, using art as a tool for commentary and transformation.
Through writing this essay, I found myself navigating the complexities of these two approaches, reflecting on how they manifest within my own practice. In many ways, this process became an act of rethinking and redefining my identity as an artist. It prompted me to consider the balance between intuition and strategy, personal expression and social responsibility. Ultimately, the essay became more than a theoretical exploration; it served as a lens through which I could critically examine my work, its intentions, and its impact.
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