Rudeness/Elitism in Art?
Clearly I have a long path ahead in my Dharma practice and “it’s gonna be bumpy!” Only a day or so ago I was reading about “Rudeness & Elitism in the Art Community” under “Blog Wars” on http://newcurator.com/2009/05/blog-wars/ .
Like most artists I have personal experience with this offensive and completely unnecessary behavior. I could not believe some curators were actually attempting to justify the situation. It seems so simple, rudeness and elitism should not be acceptable in any segment of society including the arts!
I admit I had to make a conscious effort to calm myself and refocus my feelings back in a more positive direction. Then, as if I am being tested, an article appeared in the art/entertainment section of today’s Tucson’s morning newspaper that put me right back in the same emotional place! Arrgghhhh!
A local Tucson artist/metal sculptor who has been fairly successful was claiming in a large featured article to be using “Twitter” to connect people with his work. Even to the point of including “Twitter” in the name of one of his current exhibits.
With apologies to my Dharma teacher in advance…….the artist and the article reignited my anger and frustration over rudeness & elitism in the art community! To be clear, I do not begrudge any artist who has become successful. In fact, I do my best to acknowledge and support that. The source of my frustration is insincerely and falsely claiming “Twitter” as a way to connect with other artists and the community.
I have been on Twitter for over five months and during that time I have been very fortunate to connect with many other artists and individuals with similar interests. By connect I mean truly “connect!”. We dialogue regularly, render opinions, provide mutual support and when possible, meet for face to face “Tweet-Ups”.
During that time I sought to establish a connection with the featured artist. I acknowledged and congratulated his success and attempted to initiate dialogue through every Twitter mechanism available……@replies, DM’ing. Not once did he ever take a moment to respond. This from an individual using Twitter to connect with artist and the community?
I will admit that I am human and my feelings were hurt. We are both metal sculptors living in Tucson using recycled metal and steel as our primary medium. A natural connection right? Wrong, not once did I ever receive a single response.
Like so many people, he is, in fact, “using” Twitter. Using Twitter for self promotion and not to truly establish new connections with artists and the community. Another example of “Rudeness & Elitism in the Art Community”? I’ll let you decide……..I am off to meditate!
Peace!
Your humble Asian Welder