I will need to come back to that piece because it is so rare people express how and why they fell out of love for an artist. We are so used to revere them that criticising their work, especially when said work defined an era, is not seen as a good thing. Do you think the location and the light also played a role in your falling out of love? Should you return on a sunny day maybe you will see the pictures another way? I am asking out of curiosity because as much as falling out of love can be gradual, it can also be quite brutal.
Also now I've read your piece, it is helping me seeing better how I want to write about Josephine Baker. I was never an admirer, but since she is revered by a lot, it is difficult to put in words criticism about her as for me she has had a huge impact on misrepresenting African people. She definitely made it because it is what the audience wanted, and it brought her fame, but as I watch her legacy as someone born in Cameroon and raised in France, I want to push further. Artists are after all humans and the product of an era, but they also impact generations after them, so I believe it is valid to tell how we react to them.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your own experience Emmanuelle! Well, I used the context of the out of love letter because in a way, the things we feel connected to change as we evolve, so it's akin to falling out of love. I wanted it to be a bit funny and melodramatic to take the edge off. Because what I realised in the exhibition was how sexist in reality his work is, I'd just never noticed because it's been a few years since I'd looked at it. It felt problematic to me, but on the other hand, I didn't want to lecture anyone with an article that lacks perspective. Hence the personal letter.
What you mention about Josephine is really interesting, because I totally see where you're coming from. She is revered, but she did what she had to do to survive and thrive. The important thing is seeing things in perspective, but also keeping it honest and personal. Much as people might adore an artist, as you say they're human, some thibgs they did were great and other not so much so their legacy will have to be examined by future generations,it's inevitable.
I believe you made a wise choice with the angle you chose to approach the topic. It gave depth to your WHY you fell out of love, and as you said it didn't feel you were lecturing anyone. That's exactly why I said I found your letter very inspiring.
As for Josephine Baker, it is exactly as you said. Also, I really believe that artists, politicians, and people under the public don't have the luxury not to be examined as what they did impacted society. As the world changes and evolve, it is interesting to see what an artist means for a new generation. Like it was so interesting to read your students probably haven't heard of Helmut Newton, so obviously the vision they'll have about him won't be the same as yours as they are living in a world where the objectification of women is put under scrutiny.
It would be so interesting to have a conversation with younger generations about who are they looking up to and how they perceive people that influenced past generations.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, I am delighted that you enjoyed it! I agree, when one is in the public eye, society will examine them, and time is a killer. Nevertheless, it is a sign of our times to hold everyone responsible, I am the first one to do it, but I try to remind myself that some things, even my dad does and says. As a society we have evolved really fast in certain areas, in others, there's a long way to go. It is really interesting listening to how younger generations perceive the art done before, it is also true that they are very aware of sensibilities of all kinds, but it is also true that they get anxious about getting it wrong, being cancelled, all of those things. Still, their freedom and inclusive vision is beautiful. It'd be great having that conversation. I'll keep your idea in the fridge! :)
I am looking forward to reading your take on Josephine Baker!
Buenísimo, sincero, divertido y sobre todo emocional ....Gracias
Au Chusa!! Gracias a tí por tus palabras! 🤍🤍
I also saw that exhibition and I definitely can see what you are talking about
Great article!! Thanks.
Thank you!!
I will need to come back to that piece because it is so rare people express how and why they fell out of love for an artist. We are so used to revere them that criticising their work, especially when said work defined an era, is not seen as a good thing. Do you think the location and the light also played a role in your falling out of love? Should you return on a sunny day maybe you will see the pictures another way? I am asking out of curiosity because as much as falling out of love can be gradual, it can also be quite brutal.
Also now I've read your piece, it is helping me seeing better how I want to write about Josephine Baker. I was never an admirer, but since she is revered by a lot, it is difficult to put in words criticism about her as for me she has had a huge impact on misrepresenting African people. She definitely made it because it is what the audience wanted, and it brought her fame, but as I watch her legacy as someone born in Cameroon and raised in France, I want to push further. Artists are after all humans and the product of an era, but they also impact generations after them, so I believe it is valid to tell how we react to them.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment and for sharing your own experience Emmanuelle! Well, I used the context of the out of love letter because in a way, the things we feel connected to change as we evolve, so it's akin to falling out of love. I wanted it to be a bit funny and melodramatic to take the edge off. Because what I realised in the exhibition was how sexist in reality his work is, I'd just never noticed because it's been a few years since I'd looked at it. It felt problematic to me, but on the other hand, I didn't want to lecture anyone with an article that lacks perspective. Hence the personal letter.
What you mention about Josephine is really interesting, because I totally see where you're coming from. She is revered, but she did what she had to do to survive and thrive. The important thing is seeing things in perspective, but also keeping it honest and personal. Much as people might adore an artist, as you say they're human, some thibgs they did were great and other not so much so their legacy will have to be examined by future generations,it's inevitable.
I believe you made a wise choice with the angle you chose to approach the topic. It gave depth to your WHY you fell out of love, and as you said it didn't feel you were lecturing anyone. That's exactly why I said I found your letter very inspiring.
As for Josephine Baker, it is exactly as you said. Also, I really believe that artists, politicians, and people under the public don't have the luxury not to be examined as what they did impacted society. As the world changes and evolve, it is interesting to see what an artist means for a new generation. Like it was so interesting to read your students probably haven't heard of Helmut Newton, so obviously the vision they'll have about him won't be the same as yours as they are living in a world where the objectification of women is put under scrutiny.
It would be so interesting to have a conversation with younger generations about who are they looking up to and how they perceive people that influenced past generations.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, I am delighted that you enjoyed it! I agree, when one is in the public eye, society will examine them, and time is a killer. Nevertheless, it is a sign of our times to hold everyone responsible, I am the first one to do it, but I try to remind myself that some things, even my dad does and says. As a society we have evolved really fast in certain areas, in others, there's a long way to go. It is really interesting listening to how younger generations perceive the art done before, it is also true that they are very aware of sensibilities of all kinds, but it is also true that they get anxious about getting it wrong, being cancelled, all of those things. Still, their freedom and inclusive vision is beautiful. It'd be great having that conversation. I'll keep your idea in the fridge! :)
I am looking forward to reading your take on Josephine Baker!