A LETTER TO ART

“What’s up?” :

I was scrolling Instagram on my computer, and started questioning what constitutes art to others nowadays. I recognize that it’s completely subjective, but even at this point, the range seems too wide. A lot of modern art, for numerous reasons, is poorly executed and sloppy, but still receives a lot of praise and celebration. Society seems to have moved away from appreciating work as a whole, and more encourages the idea of creation. Art as a timeless craft is becoming a scarce notion, being replaced by ‘art’ that is disposable or meant for quick consumption. 

Some artists do still create work that operate as extensions of themselves. It’s easier these days to notice artists/art that diverge from this cycle of rapid production for the sake of content. 

The pace of which something is produced is not the issue. Mediums like street photography, digital art, and street illustrations all operate under an ephemeral scope, and because the landscape or demand is constantly in flux, naturally production has to match it. 

This notion has permeated into every medium of art, and the attention to detail is fading. Every artist has something to say and has been gifted with the ability to translate their lived experiences in a particular way. It’s a rigorous and bold journey as an artist. It’s a constant state of becoming: the materials that become art, the pieces that become a product, the product that becomes art, the art that allows the maker to become an artist… it's an endless cycle.

I fall in-and-out of this state of transcendence myself. I only remember that as a photographer, I’m also an artist. It comes back to me when I begin creating; making images become art, and for this I need to be in the right mental space.

Where did our interest in art begin? I think it’s when Mama sent us to that West Side Magnet School. I’m thankful to her for this. Being so young (8 years old) we were able to soak it all in, but they mostly excelled in their ability to have us see ourselves. 

Our final assignment was a self portrait. We had to work all semester long on them as they were going to be displayed at our graduation. Older now, I recognize how intricate it is to have a child experience the thought process that allows them to illustrate and express their unique self. You teach them how to depict what they see, and subconsciously they learn to appreciate their own self-image and translate themselves as art. 

I think of art as an individual’s way of contextualizing the world, making it possible to engage with its complexity, curiosity, and storytelling.

You’re not yet aware of this, but unfortunately our fine arts school shuts down. It exists only in my memory and those who were fortunate enough to attend and teach there.

I’ll speak to you later my dear friend. Keep dreaming and enjoy the light you’re walking into.

-Xoxo