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Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Stereotypically clear
By Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano
This is a typical description of a struggling artist that has become a stereotype: A rugged long-haired man is seen walking aimlessly, scratching his head. He finds a dirty coin along the road, he picks it up with his paint-stained fingers and puts it in his pocket oblivious of whoever is watching him.
Not all may agree to this, but generally artists are subjected to some stereotyping.
Indeed it is not a fair world yet undoubtedly it’s free. There is just too much freedom to experience in the artworld that the artist finds a lifetime too short for there is too much to do.
This is a usual scenario, when a young aspiring artist seriously makes clear his intention to study art especially to parents. The common reaction from the grown-ups is to discourage him from pursuing his ambition. For the reasons that art can’t raise a family and can’t be served on the table. There is this mental picture associated with the artist as having no future as an economically viable person or not living comfortably and not gaining financial wealth. The notion that artists are idlers and survive by a hand to mouth existence is a common stereotype, not to mention the idea that they live a lifetime of struggle, gaining fame only upon death. And to struggle involves both the financial aspect and his identity.
There’s truth to it in some ways because in most cases artists achieve recognition only after dying. It’s a sad picture, yet in spite of it, they are stubborn souls always defiant against all odds. I believe that the artist’s struggle to survive in this financially-measured world is a form of heroism.
Many may believe that where we live is a cultural desert, but the artist as rebel is here to find the oasis.
Another common notion is that artists are without work, thus they become Bohemian. That’s okay since artists need to move around a bit to explore and interact with his direct environment and community. Travel and outdoor immersion is a learning experience as well. And of course they are stereotyped for their looks: that they wear torn and rugged clothes, sport long hair, are heavily bearded and untidy, with long and dirty fingernails, going around penniless looking like bums. Some of the stereotypes are true but it’s not generic. The common impression of informality in ways and attitudes is part of it but some are actually very formal in demeanor and fashion.
But in spite of all the negative impressions going around, do you hear an artist complaining? Certainly not! That’s because every serious artist knows his true purpose which is either to complement or disturb the mindset. They even think they’re doing you a great favor because without art it will be such an ordinary world. Just imagine life without art, without it, what’s the point?
(December 16, 2003 issue)
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