Classes and masses
There always seems to be a rift between the choice of the classes and that of the masses. Look how Himesh Reshamiya, tops the Indian music charts, even though being loathed by the critics. See how the critically acclaimed Grammy winning “Rehab”, fails to climb up to the top. There are very few artists like AR Rehman that enjoy the accolades of both the classes and the masses. The Dark Knight was a perfect example of this amalgamation. But then these are classics…
Now before continuing the post, I must rather define what does class mean. The class means a group of people who view a piece of art more intently and have an exposure to a wide variations.
A common man is so busy in his daily chores that they are unable to go beyond the beats of a song (Tandoori Nights) or the precision of a painting (take any well painted landscape). Appreciating art requires patient observation and not many have the time to do that. Moreover people out of their biases (Classical musical is not youthful and is boring), or else lack of availability (people don’t have exposure to western music), have a very limited range of art variations, and thus understanding of art. That’s the reason modern art paintings are mocked at in public domains.
But then there is an obvious truth. It is the accolades of the public that labels some works classic. It is the public not the critics that makes stars and legends. The Beatles are a classic example. It is the public that changes the perception of how art is seen, and at times it forces the classes to give an art a relook. Harry Potter was turned down by the biggest publishing houses, and today it is nothing less than a modern classic, a literary masterpiece. Moreover poor works cannot stand the test of time. Popularity is like a bubble, it bursts in no time, and if an artist lacks depth, his shot to fame soon becomes a subject of public mockery.
To sum up, if you want to be an artist, it is surely important that the work gets appreciation of the classes. But without the public appreciation, no piece of work of art can be great. And even if the classes don’t get you, but you still stand the test of time of public adoration, don’t bother, you are already a legend…
Classes and masses
There always seems to be a rift between the choice of the classes and that of the masses. Look how Himesh Reshamiya, tops the Indian music charts, even though being loathed by the critics. See how the critically acclaimed Grammy winning “Rehab”, fails to climb up to the top. There are very few artists like AR Rehman that enjoy the accolades of both the classes and the masses. The Dark Knight was a perfect example of this amalgamation. But then these are classics…
Now before continuing the post, I must rather define what does class mean. The class means a group of people who view a piece of art more intently and have an exposure to a wide variations.
A common man is so busy in his daily chores that they are unable to go beyond the beats of a song (Tandoori Nights) or the precision of a painting (take any well painted landscape). Appreciating art requires patient observation and not many have the time to do that. Moreover people out of their biases (Classical musical is not youthful and is boring), or else lack of availability (people don’t have exposure to western music), have a very limited range of art variations, and thus understanding of art. That’s the reason modern art paintings are mocked at in public domains.
But then there is an obvious truth. It is the accolades of the public that labels some works classic. It is the public not the critics that makes stars and legends. The Beatles are a classic example. It is the public that changes the perception of how art is seen, and at times it forces the classes to give an art a relook. Harry Potter was turned down by the biggest publishing houses, and today it is nothing less than a modern classic, a literary masterpiece. Moreover poor works cannot stand the test of time. Popularity is like a bubble, it bursts in no time, and if an artist lacks depth, his shot to fame soon becomes a subject of public mockery.
To sum up, if you want to be an artist, it is surely important that the work gets appreciation of the classes. But without the public appreciation, no piece of work of art can be great. And even if the classes don’t get you, but you still stand the test of time of public adoration, don’t bother, you are already a legend…