30th January- Lecture reflections

Lecture reflectionsThis lecture could not have been more perfectly timed. My reflections yesterday expressed how disenchanted I was with the internal system of fine art and the surrounding system. Within this system there is a belief that 'selling work' and doing shows is the only way to be an 'important' and 'established' version of yourself as part of this creative 'industry'. Owen, the 'employability' advisor at NUA clearly has a quite tunnel vision of what does and does not constitute the 'arts industry'. Although there were some examples slightly on the 'alternative' side (non rigid job roles) most of the mentioned positions were under neither institutional employment. It also stressed the fact you need to build up a portfolio of interaction with certain spaces, all of which were elevated in terms of wealth and prestige. When you then have this experience, further institutions will desire you. This may be deemed realistic and I understand that the industry has been transformed into something of a commercial gold screen. This was the angle I got from this lecture. Alternatives were not delved into and I felt very little desire and passion to continue on this path from his lecture. I have considered my future extensively, hence building a placement and writing portfolio, however I do not feel he fully understood the alternative system I desire. This can't be expected. However, as many fine artists are already existing within the market it grows worry that they are then being further advised to feed this system. He stressed the 'likely' desire to want to work for arts organisations such as the Tate. I could not think of something that is more contradictory as progressive artists. Working together in non binary ways to try and emerge in alternative ways outside of the capitalist structure imposed on creativity would be a much better option. I do not wish to compromise my practice's commentary to 'make it' in the field. We were showed an example of a writers organisation. This was slightly better as t was small scale, local and creatively influencing. I understand that creativity needs organisation however there is a real lack of excitement when I think k about my future in art. I feel I am more likely to keep that as a more private area and fully emerge myself in critical writing and activities. I have found organisations myself that inspire me to work underneath something, this compromise is worth it for a company that does not run hand in hand with corporate sponsorship and elite art rules. As my degree progresses I am worryingly feeling further detached from the 'creative' side of art and more the oppressive nature of institutions. Arts organisations have had many years of being crushed and shaped by a government with vested interests and funding from ironic sources. I appreciate the help from the lecture in terms of future planning. However, I feel I am personally capable to investigate my own route, I do feel disappointed however that this commentary is very rarely heard in my draftee or from the tutors and 'leaders'. Creativity should seep through all aspects of society, of that isn't being sparked in a fine art degree then maybe there is less hope than I once thought. I am not sure exactly how I am going to progress with my writing and work but I do not wish to slot into the 'arts' as the corporations and government officials desire it to be. There is the alternative argument however that once you are in that's system you can begin to make changes. Compromise in the short term may allow relocation to a level in which you can begging to influence other and the system. One persons can make a difference however it is getting to the position in which the influence will be worth that struggle and compromise in terms of difference made and voice's heard.