Make art, not war
Observations on the (off-putting) conduct of artists online
All art is political, read a post uploaded by a fellow poet on Instagram a few days ago.
These words prompted unexpected discomfort. I found it impossible to agree with this bold claim, one that seems to speak on behalf of all artists. The idea sounds right, but feels wrong. Should art not, if anything, be an antidote to such things?
“All art is propaganda.”–George Orwell.
I’d spent a few months on Threads navigating this new platform, hoping to source tribe and meet creatives who inspire, but found it lacking in ways I didn’t expect. A few days ago, I deleted my account (apologies to the 27 friends who found me worthy of a follow) effectively plucking myself from a cesspit where virtue signallers and rage-baiters who operate with impunity. I’ve observed with horror the childish ways in which some adults conduct themselves online and departed the platform questioning the mental wellbeing of society. An overwhelming number of women seem to take pleasure in initiating provocative discourse and revel in the fallout. That’s not to say men are incapable of jumping into a cyber mosh pit. I’ve seen that too, but the aptitude for keyboard headbanging amongst women is overwhelming. None of this is pretty.
“All good art is political! There is none that isn’t.”–Toni Morissen
To create art, political in nature or not, and refrain from the urge to express one’s political views online or disagree with another on theirs, should be common sense, but this seems to be a lacking trait amongst some creatives on social media. While I admire artists who manifest personal persuasions through their work, I’m repelled by the unexpected sermon (or threats of getting blocked if you have opposing views) forced upon an audience who didn’t hit that follow button for platitudes on geopolitics.
As an Aquarian with a type 6 counterphobic Enneagram personality, I’m outrageously spirited. But you will not see me fishing for fights online. I’d much rather exchange sentiments face-to-face over a coffee (if you know me, you know). Always coffee. Never tea.
Speaking of tea, AVBOB Poetry recently published a poem of mine, one that might qualify as political. From time to time, when my chakras align and a full moon blooms in Aries, my hot blood trickles out onto the page and you get something like Teacups.
Final thought
I’m not sure if I agree with George and Toni. Surely, not all art is or should be political. But even if so, let the work speak for itself.