- by Abdul Hannan Srikanth Existence exists. And yet the human consciousness is consistently fed by a mass of contradictions, from every conceivable source. Burdened by the impossible task of integrating such noise, the human being develops, slowly but surely, into what Bertrand Russell calls "ready to die, but not ready to think". Eventually, to evade this responsibility, the conscious and the subconscious weave a well-knit web of delusion, in which it can rest, and go on forever, with an ever-decreasing capacity to act. A few kindred souls escape this, some of whom we may know as artists. Occasionally, certain acts, events or works, pierce this veil, and let us know of what was, and still is, possible. In this regard, an artist, with his or her keen sense and understanding of the world, and an intimate affinity to oneself, can produce a work that helps others experience the possibilities, and for that brief moment, bathe in the brilliance of truth. It is not necessary that an artist possess an understanding of world events, or to be otherwise possessed with keen intelligence and knowledge. What is necessary however, is an independent judgment and at least an implicit philosophical approach to life. These two characteristics often serve to distinguish an artist from a mere practitioner of an art. Producing works of art is considered to be amongst the most strenuous activities that a human mind can perform. The reason is simple. The artist strives to be true to himself, and to the artwork. This simple way is how every life is meant to be lived, true to oneself and to the acts engaged in, but isn't. It is left up to the artist to demonstrate the possibilities. Brilliant artists have often been found leading lives of penury; and this is not a recent phenomenon. This is because a great artist demands thought and reflection from his patrons. That is a task that we have long abandoned in the mists of "idealistic" youth, with only vague memories and rampant cynicism left behind. Art can rescue us, if even for a moment. But every such moment is a living, breathing moment. Let us then celebrate art, as a liberator, and honor true artists with the thought and reflection they deserve, even if it challenges the foundations of our self. |
