As IDC as well as my first semester of college come to a close, I’ve begun to reminisce on everything that has happened over the past few months. I’ve taken leaps outside of my comfort zone, challenged myself both intellectually and emotionally, and become increasingly more self-aware as I’ve explored various facets of who I am through immersing myself into the arts, being more spontaneous, and attempting to adopt a more accepting and positive mindset. I’ve learned to be more forgiving towards myself and others, welcoming new and different ideas and all imperfections. I’ve also come to understand that art and life are consistently overlapping with each other, tangled and intertwined like two inseparable lovers. To divide the two is a flawed way of thinking.
Art is essentially everything we create, whether intentionally or unintentionally. There should be no rules, no limitations, no how-to book. It is completely and utterly free. In our modern world, it is so easy to subject ourselves to what society deems is “correct” or “normal” but it is ridiculous to confine ourselves to an invisible box – a box that we have collectively created as humans.
During our first IDC class, I remember being asked what was the most recent experience I’ve had with art, and I said the Museum of Sex. When I initially wanted to go, it was out of naivety and sheer curiosity. Behind its doors, however, I discovered an entire world of uncensored art and, for the first time, I felt free. The art treasured the human body, worshipping it like a heavenly being. I had gotten so used to the idea of nudity being taboo, but, why do we shelter ourselves from us? The answer is we shouldn’t.
Art is so vast yet so personal to every person who experiences it. Art isn’t judgmental. It doesn’t set any boundaries. A piece of art can attract audiences from all cultures, age groups, and sexual orientations. It embraces us all with open arms and it unites us. It tells us that, no matter who we were, who we are at this very moment, and who we hope to become, we are all human, and we exist simply to create. So, I say that we throw away everything that we think we know about art and life, and start with a fresh, blank canvas. All of our experiences, all of the little, happy moments, all of our downfalls – everything that we sense, feel, and do are paint strokes on our canvas, each adding another layer of color and texture of its own. And, in the end, we shall revel in all of its glory, and love it for what it is, for what we have created.
Starting college was like the beginning of a brand new canvas, and I’m happy to say that IDC has managed to add some color to it.
