Art Meditations.
Today I took myself out on a date. This is of pivotal importance considering how much a person should invest in self-care but that's another conversation for another time. This date in particular happened to be an art date. After visiting a few galleries back to back, I happened upon one and got inspired. This post is the result of seeing work that spoke to me on a deeper level. There were two pieces that jumped out in particular, one concerning blackness, the other concerning sexuality. Both pieces are by Anton van Dalen in a show put on by P.P.O.W. Gallery entitled "Junk Kulture." Running through tomorrow, I highly recommend you run over to West 22nd Street and see it. Here we go.
This piece impressed me in regards to blackness specifically. Thinking about the privilege of seeing your own reflection, not just in the mirror, but in real life. To see yourself and those that look like you excelling in a world not created with our success in mind. Understanding the difference between doing well and making it look effortless and understanding that it is not. Work, generally speaking, is not effortless. An example? Beyoncé. Specifically in her recently released film, “Homecoming.” How you could look at that fierce work of sheer willpower and not say she is truly inspirational is akin to saying you don't understand excellent work ethic. You don't have to like her, but you will respect her grind. And that is why she's so important. She makes it possible for young people of color to see themselves, shining brightly on the world stage, following their dreams and being loved and admired for it. She provides an example of what excellence looks like. She, through both her lyrics and her literal example, show you that you too can achieve if only you believe it and work harder than anyone else at your craft. If it's a true labor of love, you'll come out on top and break barrier after barrier, turning the glass ceiling into the floor that others stand on.
As for sexuality, a woman’s body is a battleground. Literally, physically, emotionally, figuratively and metaphorically. There’s no way to not see that. Another example here? The fight for abortion rights. Boom. It’s almost like it comes down to a various amount of men attempting to control women’s bodies simply because they can. There is a latent need there to subvert others and control others because of how powerful it can make you feel. Are these men, who are making it easier and easier to curb abortion on a state-level as federal rules loosen, going to take care of the little people that will exist as a result of the mother not having an abortion? Some states, Missouri being one, is aiming to go so far as to not even provide exemptions to abortion for women who are victims of rape and incest or sexual assault.Where is the sense in that? But I digress. Women are strong beyond even our own knowledge. And anyone who dares is gravely mistaken if they think we'll go down without a fight.
In closing, art can provoke thought. Indulge and let it.
xx
PS. THIS is why art needs to stay in schools. But again, I digress.
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