An injection of Art?
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The local creative scene has always been a matter of some debate among those interested in it. This article laments the lack of large concentrations of individuals, in a density to perhaps spark off that long awaited passion for the arts in the pragmatic lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. As the columnist says, we pose as connoisseurs of art, but in truth knowing nothing outside the most well-known or popular cultural icons. In the end, the greatest cause of this "lack of vivacity in the creative fields" is insufficient support from the public.
No doubt there are many like-minded souls yearning for an outpouring of creative juices from local artists. It is truly sad that the most common form of art known to Singaporeans, young and old alike, is last week’s most popular song downloaded off the internet and on their iPods. However, one thing we must always remember that as society we have our morals. One thing that seems to hardly ever surfaces in the minds of those who lament the lack of cultural appreciation in Singapore is that any funds the government provides to the art scene means an equal trade-off in some other part of society. Many of the less well-to-do in Singapore have never heard of the Bard, let alone seen one of his plays. We play a delicate balancing act, with the demands of every nook of society pulling in every direction. Perhaps, the arts scene should make an attempt at promoting itself.
Purists will retort that the stumbling block is the pragmatism that we, as a nation, have been brought up to believe in over the last forty-odd years. Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear someone say “Aiyah, waste money to watch a concert? Can watch TV at home.” Let us look at the example of some older cosmopolitan cities; New York, Paris, and London to name but the biggest. These cities have modern histories dating back at least 400 years, and are arguably the largest cultural centres in the world. Perhaps, having settled into a way of existence, these cities have then taken the time to seek out the smaller joys in life. Singapore too, needs to walk the tightrope of commercial hub and truly global city.
What makes the arts scene is driven almost exclusively by public taste. Right now, many comment and observe as to how crass and simple public taste is. Indeed, most Singaporeans are well pleased with the latest new toys or music that ship in from abroad. Even worse, demand for local creative work is almost nonexistent. (relatively) Few even know what a poetry slam is; let alone where to find one in Singapore. Unfortunately, many are uninformed of the less well-known forms of art that exist. The solution to this is time; a gradual exposure to both popular and classic culture, conventional and avant-garde art, famous artists and upcoming talents. Over time, we can cultivate a society that will hanker after culture beyond what is easily accessible.
No doubt there are many like-minded souls yearning for an outpouring of creative juices from local artists. It is truly sad that the most common form of art known to Singaporeans, young and old alike, is last week’s most popular song downloaded off the internet and on their iPods. However, one thing we must always remember that as society we have our morals. One thing that seems to hardly ever surfaces in the minds of those who lament the lack of cultural appreciation in Singapore is that any funds the government provides to the art scene means an equal trade-off in some other part of society. Many of the less well-to-do in Singapore have never heard of the Bard, let alone seen one of his plays. We play a delicate balancing act, with the demands of every nook of society pulling in every direction. Perhaps, the arts scene should make an attempt at promoting itself.
Purists will retort that the stumbling block is the pragmatism that we, as a nation, have been brought up to believe in over the last forty-odd years. Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear someone say “Aiyah, waste money to watch a concert? Can watch TV at home.” Let us look at the example of some older cosmopolitan cities; New York, Paris, and London to name but the biggest. These cities have modern histories dating back at least 400 years, and are arguably the largest cultural centres in the world. Perhaps, having settled into a way of existence, these cities have then taken the time to seek out the smaller joys in life. Singapore too, needs to walk the tightrope of commercial hub and truly global city.
What makes the arts scene is driven almost exclusively by public taste. Right now, many comment and observe as to how crass and simple public taste is. Indeed, most Singaporeans are well pleased with the latest new toys or music that ship in from abroad. Even worse, demand for local creative work is almost nonexistent. (relatively) Few even know what a poetry slam is; let alone where to find one in Singapore. Unfortunately, many are uninformed of the less well-known forms of art that exist. The solution to this is time; a gradual exposure to both popular and classic culture, conventional and avant-garde art, famous artists and upcoming talents. Over time, we can cultivate a society that will hanker after culture beyond what is easily accessible.
posted by Xian at
04:20
1 Comments:
interesting that you chose to comment on a commentary; so do you agree with what he's saying?
perhaps we need to look for culture in our own backyard; why is it that culture=western influences, like you mentioned, the bard and poetry slam. after all, how about the ge tai? or chinese opera? why do people look at it with distaste? perhaps if we widened our perception of what is art/creativity we would see that it is something quite alive (=
p.s. shakespeare was for the masses during his time; in fact his plays were staged far from the city and were patronised by prostitutes etc!
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