Safety

I'm doing it solo this month- but please feel free to contribute an essay on this topic at any time, I will include it as soon as possible.
-the editor.

Aw Geez, who picks these topics?

Well, I’ll try to make the best of a bad situation.

I was thinking of “safe” Art when I chose this topic. Some Artists work entirely within what is acceptably “safe” to most people and do quite well. They do “safe” art that doesn’t really do much to challenge one’s mind. And I don’t wish to imply that there is anything wrong with this, Art can certainly mean different things to different people. But in regard to my own personal preference, I like Art that doesn’t just sit there like wallpaper.

But what are these Artists “safe” from when they do this kind of Art? I assume that some of them feel they are perhaps a bit sheltered from the danger of poverty. But it may also be that they are seeking to avoid criticism, ridicule and possibly retribution by not challenging the status quo. And that is all right- the creative process does not necessarily mean that what one creates has to challenge every single person who views it or overturn the government and if an Artist doesn’t feel ready to tackle controversy or fears for life, limb and family, “safe” Art is okay.

As for me, I prefer Art that adds a bit of commentary to and about the world around it. Art is a very powerful medium for social change, one of the most useful for both good and bad. It is used by “the establishment” to reinforce the current regime or one of its programs. It is used by “the rebels” to opposite ends, to point out the flaws and weaknesses of those in power.

We all crave a certain measure of safety; in our homes, cars and just walking down the street. People say there is safety in numbers. There may be some truth in this. We have government programs which are put in place to keep us safe from bad food, unfair practices by employers, terrorism, and a host of other dangers. I think we all know deep down inside that these programs and laws are not flawless.

One thing I think it is safe to say is that ultimately we all die. The question is- we will ever live? And what sort of life do we want. Does “safety” mean that we will never bundgie-jump off of a bridge? Or for that matter- drive or ride in a car? Will we ever leave the perceived safety of our homes and venture out for a picnic in the park?

Does “safety” mean we will not open our mouths or create critical Art when we perceive that some great wrong is being done to someone or society as a whole? Even when it is being done by our own government?

It seems to me that that kind of “safety” is short sighted and short-lived. When we perceive something that should not be it is imperative that we stand up and face the danger and remark on it and the possible consequences thereof. It is also a responsibility that we have to our country and world and to our children. In my view the real “Patriots” are the people who are willing to stand up and ask those in charge the hard questions and keep asking until the truth is out. It is those who challenge what is “normal” that help us to define and redefine who we really are as a people. We become much stronger as a nation and as people when we listen to each other, especially to different opinions, and then create a dialogue to find what we have in common as well as what the differences are. Attempting to silence those who do not share our opinions does nothing to make us stronger, nor does keeping silent in the face of opposition. It is when we debate the issues that we are the strongest as a nation and as people; it is fundamental to our Democracy.

It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I think that the spirit of this statement is true. However I believe that the payoff may be more than a thousand words- it may be an integral part of the development of our world and the future that we deliver unto our children.

Dave Cofell
March 30th. 2004