Reflections On Art You Don’t Like
Ever asked yourself why you don’t like some art?
Yesterday I went to see a movie (Sirât). It’s not a typical movie. It annoyed me. Some parts even pissed me off, I’ll confess. I got out of there honestly feeling like I didn’t like it at all. I went with a friend, and I couldn’t help commenting the inconsistency of some parts in the story, some stuff not done “the right way”, the irritating characters taking “bad decisions” and then of course, suffering “the consequences”.
My friend spent the whole movie shushing me, poor thing. I couldn’t help myself, but I did my best to keep my thoughts to myself.
In the end of the movie, we exchanged thoughts. She had this interesting interpretation of the movie, but I was too focused on the stuff I didn’t like.
Today during my morning meditation, I reflected upon my attitude yesterday. Not in a judgemental way, but in a curious, inquisitive way.
I am a creator and a doer. A very creative person who has also a very strong hability to turn thoughts to actions, an artist and an engineer. I know how to do most things, and if I don’t know how to do it, I trust in my hability to find out, learn and then at least attempt to do it; and most times I’m successful (not bragging here, just stay with me).
But I tend to focus on that part of me too much. I forget how to be a “spectator”, a watcher, a listener, because it’s so much easier and natural for me to listen to my own inner voice.
Thing is, life is supposed to be a balance. We are meant to be artists and fans, creators and spectactors, meant to give and receive. There’s a time to do things our way and a time to appreciate the way others are doing them.
I would never have written and done a movie like Sirât. Hell, I wouldn’t even have gone watching it if it wasn’t for my friend. It managed to piss me off, to have strong reactions and emotions. It disturbed me, got me thinking, and eventually it led me to realize something about myself, maybe about all of us.
I always thought some art is not for everyone, but today I think differently. Every art is for all of us. If you don’t like something, ask yourself why; maybe it will teach you more than the art you love.