Having just opened the latest show at BoxoFFICE, called 'A Radical State of Independence', I think it appropriate to make one clarification. In the statement related to the exhibition, I call for us to recognize the fallibility of large institutions, systems and ideologies and their incapacity to provide fully for every individual. I point to the need for the assumption of personal responsibility for one's situation, a radical state of independence. The artists in the related exhibition demonstrate the principle in both their works and the way they go about their individual practices.
What I mean by radical is not the act of disassociating from established frameworks. What is radical is taking full responsibility for oneself while at the same time participating in the bigger picture (politics, markets, institutions). We need to continue to support those ideas and structures that create the framework within which we can achieve what we strive to. A totalitarian state without freedom of speech squashes the artistic impetus. A completely non-functioning art market will not provide a return on artists' efforts. We need to participate in politics, to support institutions, to operate in markets - always ensuring that we stay true to ourselves and our communities.
What is radical also, is giving up blame and unreal expectation. The larger systems we create are just reflections of ourselves and benefit from the same level of understanding and tolerance we seek. And a sense of humor helps too.
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1 comment:
This posting is helpful for me in thinking about the creation of art during these tough economic times.
Frameworks created to facilitate art creation - be they composed of institutions, systems, ideologies or a combination thereof - have become increasingly less dependable. As a result, artists striving for visibility, engagement, exchange have found themselves in the position of needing to develop new and creative ways to fill the void.
This has added a new burden upon them, requiring self-reliance. More so today than a year ago, artists are relying heavily on their instincts, and molding existing frameworks into patchwork hybrids for a new reality. In my opinion, frameworks built to facilitate the creation of art are merely a means to an end, but are not a value in and of themselves. They should be modified, temporarily sidelined, or even discarded when they stifle, bog down, or otherwise hinder art creation.
"A Radical State of Independence" -- what a perfect name for a show during these wild times, when the most creative and self-reliant somehow manage to achieve great things amidst the chaos. This to me is radical, and is very much in the spirit of BoxOffice. I am looking forward to seeing this show.
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