Last week, we discussed the internet persona and how much should be shared.
It was ironic because just that weekend, my co-worker and I had been discussing the importance of privacy within a very public field. We had joked that my new mantra should be: "I am a PRIVATE person."
People that work with artistic mediums, create personal and seemingly private works and then share it with the world. This is often a delicate balance. Especially, when what can make the body of work so significant can sometimes be that example of the artist/idea/emotion revealed through that work.
There are some very good arguments in praise of being transparent as an artist.
Knowing that the song 'Tears in Heaven' is written about a very painful and personal event in Eric Clapton's life, doesn't necessarily make the song 'better,' but it does create a glimpse to the real person behind the music.
Understanding that there was real romantic loss and betrayal experienced by Mexican singer, 'Paquita la Del Barrio,' allows an audience member to hear the real story behind lyrics.
The songstress was betrayed and robbed by two great loves of her life. Both of whom worked as her manager for a time, made a fortune off her talent and then left her. Does her love torn history make her songs better? If you don't like Mexican music, then probably not.But it's a damn good story. Hearing that story encouraged me to look up her music in the first place.
Keeping the artist separate from their work is a fine line to walk. Roland Barthes discusses the failure of focusing too much on the artist behind the work. He presented the danger of focusing too much on the artist behind the work. To him, it was the danger of fixating on Baudelair's romantic mishaps versus his work, Van Goh's madness or Rodin's womanizing, all leading the observer away from the intended focus-THE ART.
Now a days things haven't much changed, music lovers must weigh the importance of child abuse allegations against their favorite pop star, or a National iconic folk singer getting busted with cocaine just after releasing a children's album, VS. good music and great art. Is bad publicity enough to turn our cd players off, or rip the art off our walls? Generally, I think you will find the answer to be no.
The discussion in class touched on just how efficiently one's digital foot print is stored online;We focused on some the traces we leave behind. This instantly brings to mind the possibility of childhood photographs that can make their way online as family members getting savvier with their scanners. The feeling of embarrassment would likely stem from the fear of being seen as less than our 'best.'
Irene Torres at 7, was missing some teeth and thought turtlenecks were cool because they made her feel like she was on Star Trek (TNG). Much in the same way that Irene Torres at year three of singing in public, is not the same as year seven. As much as I think it might please me to see only the finest Glamour portraits to grace my family albums, and only the best performances to be uploaded with my name attahced, I can't really worry about that. I can make sure I post ONLY what I am most proud of, and material related to my adventures in music and art. As opposed to my adventures in busking, dating, or last weekend's house party.
That being said, I love, absolutely love, when I find videos of people I respect and admire being completely unpolished and gritty. Recently I saw this video of Robi Draco Rosa performing with Antonion Carmona at an after party in Spain. Being that they are creative geniuses and professionals, there was nothing delivered without finesse. You can see the improvisation and on the spot creativity, on camera. This same artist posted a sound check from a concert last year, called 'Obra De Arte.' Check out the Soundcheck. There is something so completely artistically honest and beautiful about that.
Check out the after party video:
Here is an example of Fiona Apple breaking every performers rule by messing up a song on stage, apologizing and trying it all over again:
So what is an overshare , what is too unpolished, what should be kept out of sight?
I don't really have a straight answer to that.
I do know that watching one of my favorite singers making a mistake on stage and picking herself back up is kind of inspiring.
But watching a leaked video of one of my favorite singers peeing on a sixteen year old girl, is not.
When I choose to spend fifteen minutes watching and re-watching the double rainbow guy on youtube, then I must simply also accept that I am encouraging that mode of expression by reloading my browser window.
I have voted with my viewership that this video is worth sharing, that it is a valid form of expression and entertainment, and that goes for every single trashy show I watch on television and pop song that I listen to. And you!
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