Death by invisibility
Art creates a self-contained and prejudiced opportunity structure. Its power hierarchies are flexible and not universal. The misconception that lack of access can be overcome simply by “trying harder” is prevalent. This contradicts the essence of being an artist with genuine intentions. Eventually, invisibility in the art world becomes unavoidable.
Let’s break down and elaborate on each part of the statement:
1. Art forms a closed opportunity biased system: This means that the art world tends to be exclusive and favors certain individuals or groups over others. Opportunities for recognition, exposure, and success in the art industry may not be equally accessible to everyone. It can be challenging for new and marginalized artists to break into established art circles due to existing biases and barriers.
2. Its power hierarchies are adaptive and not global: In the art world, power structures and hierarchies are not fixed and can change over time. Different art communities or regions may have their own unique dynamics of influence and recognition. What is considered significant or valuable in one community may not hold the same weight in another, making the art world’s power dynamics fluid and localized.
3. Lack of access is often wrongly confronted by a “try harder” mentality: When aspiring artists face obstacles in gaining access to opportunities, there’s often a prevailing attitude that they should keep trying harder or work more diligently to achieve success. However, this perspective overlooks the systemic barriers and biases that may be limiting their progress in the first place.
4. This contradicts any “honest” modality of being an artist: The idea that artists should “try harder” to overcome barriers can conflict with the genuine and authentic expression of art. True creativity often flourishes when artists can freely explore their visions without being solely driven by external pressures or the need to conform to pre-existing power structures.
5. Death by invisibility is inevitable: This metaphorical statement highlights the harsh reality that some talented artists may remain unnoticed and unrecognized due to the closed nature of the art world. Their potential contributions may go unseen, and their work may not receive the attention it deserves, leading to a loss of opportunities and visibility.
But these premises do not necessarily force you to an unchanged destiny.
There are some key ideas that can help you do well and feel good about your life. First, it’s important to work smart. Use new tools and learn skills to get your work done quicker and better. Next, know what you’re good at. This helps you find jobs or projects where you can really shine. Also, make sure you understand the rules of your job or community. Knowing the rules helps you make good choices and connect with the right people. Being able to adapt to new situations is also really important. When things change, you’ll be ready if you have an open mind and are willing to learn. Last but not least, make sure you’re happy with what you’re doing. Check in with yourself regularly. If you’re not enjoying your work, think about what changes could make it better for you. By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be better set up for success and happiness in whatever you choose to do. These tips can help you be your best self, no matter where you are or what challenges come your way.
So what to do?
I would susggest to find your own Ikigai . Ikigai can describe having a sense of purpose in life, as well as being motivated. According to a study by Michiko Kumano, feeling ikigai as described in Japanese usually means the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that follows when people pursue their passions.
My personal approach within an ecosystem of failure and succes includes the following steps :
Work Smarter: Continuously seek ways to work more efficiently and effectively. Embrace innovation, learn new skills, and adopt tools that can enhance your productivity.
Know thy self: Take time to understand your strengths, passions, and interests. Identify the areas where you can shine and contribute uniquely.
Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules and norms of your envioronmenet, ecosystem context, industry or community. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions and build meaningful connections.
Nurture Adaptability: Follow a Heracletian “Everything flows” mentality. Develop a growth mindset and cultivate adaptability to navigate changes and challenges in your ecosystem.
Prioritize Joy and Fulfillment: Regularly assess your level of enjoyment and fulfillment in your work. Make adjustments if necessary to align your actions with your passions and values.
If you choose to adapt re-develop and embrace such proposals then maybe you can create a fulfilling and successful path within your chosen ecosystem and maybe allow your true potential as an individual to flourish.
peace.
