The Politics of Art & Authenticity

It’s been a full semester! From short films to modern art to awkward dances to everything in between, I definitely feel like I’ve experienced art to its fullest extent. Well, maybe not the fullest… but something to that effect. I discovered a world of art to which I was never exposed. I learned that art is really what you make it. Art is a way to see and perceive everything around you. Everyone’s art is different. I say this because there were definitely things I saw that I wasn’t so fond of, while others were very enthusiastic, and there were some things I loved that others hated. Art is individualistic and personal. No one can give it and no one take it away.

With the video I made, I hoped to show that art is something unique and intimate. I didn’t have to look far to find art in my life. When you watch my video, you may just see blankets. Nevertheless, I see art. To me, those blankets represent that art is personal and distinctive. The blankets and the video are both pieces of art I cherish, though I am the artist of one, and my grandmother is the artist of the other.

Seeing different artists’ work made me realize that art is whatever the artist thinks it is. And you know what? No one can contest what you think is art. So be brave, be unique, and explore the art that you love best. It’s yours.