The meaning of Art

 

This story has a happier ending I hope, perhaps it will come to me after I write this first part. The other day I was scrolling through Instagram yet again, feeling bored, un-inspired, disconnected from the world, generally disillusioned. This happens often, I just let it take its natural course and observe what happens next. Maybe go play my guitar instead, or watch a movie. 

So I came across an ad on instagram for a book you can buy that teaches you how to forge “Connections” with viewers in order to have a “successful” career. I already knew what it probably said. Go be socially connected so your work can be socially connected, the book probably said, in my mind. At the same time  I have also lately been reading about the Buddhist teaching of “no self” I take this idea to mean that there is no permanent self identity that people have, because life is like clouds constantly changing, and that awareness is the key to happiness. Perhaps being socially connected is only one way, but not the only way to be happy.

Then I started to think of the old Duchampian idea that art is subjective, and the meaning of art only exists in the fluid ever changing conscious mind, the same as the Buddhist idea of “no self”, which also exists only in the mind. Here is my next thought: How do you write a “compelling” story about your art, in order to engage with buyers, when any possible written story, about (my) art would have no “permanent” meaning, in the Buddhist/Duchampian sense? 

I guess Pictures speak louder than words right? Maybe the answer to the above question is letting go of attachment to career success, while also being fully present and aware of the joy that the creative process itself brings. I guess the point is, compelling is in the eye of the beholder.