Being an artist

 This is the era of 'reality shows'. The impression hence most people have is that art is very easy, is 'child's play', even literally, given the very many singing and dancing sensations on very many television channels. Such perception makes the lay person believe that art means "looking" rather than "being" an artist.

Nothing is far n  further from the truth. Sure you must look presentable today, especially if you are in to performing arts. Gone with the wind is the era of an artist who was so lost to the art that apperance mattered the least.  An M.F. Hussain, without shoes and in non-formal dress, was ill-treated even in those days. Now, when even the youngest palm holds at least a simple camera, not being presentable is a luxury none can afford. 

As a performing artist, moreover, one is helplessly dependent on very many non-artistic technology-driven gadgets.  The sound system and the acoustics of the venue, for example, the non-creaking/screeching, sensitive microphones with the right volume and the proper angle, the lighting system on/off the stage, countless are such aspects controlled by technicians who may not be very sensitive to art.

In other words, a performance is always a collective collaborative effort. The co-artists matter a lot, too, for example. That would not be an issue for an accomplished artist as she/he would have her/his own troupe, and anyways would have the finesse and the proficiency to adjust with whatever/whosoever is available locally. 

Then there are the spectators. For most of them, art is mere entertainment, sheer time-pass. They crunch chips, chat loudly on mobiles, saunter off hither-n-thither! Their demands  and expectations can be wonky, too. After performing wonderfully in the classical mode, a genuine artist would be asked for a very trashy tinsel number. Remeber the Rahul Deshpande episode in Mumbai when his performance was unceremoniously interrupted to accomodate some filmy star!

Beyond all this, there is the deep malaise of petty politics and groupism. Most often, the inflated egos of the mighty and the powerful cannot tolerate any other talent who may appear as a threat to them. Systematically, subtly sidelining such a talent is easy 'game' for the art mafia. 

Art is not easy at all, in brief. Beyond all these external factors, a committed artist needs to practice a lot to perfect the art form. Such practice is sheer hard work. No smart short cuts there! Getting a good 'guru' guiding the great way is essential, too. Basically, moreover, art IS an exploration. At no point can one feel that one has attained the ultimate. The process is a forever journey.

How do I know all this? Well, as a performer, I am an absolute nobody. I sure sing rather well, play the bulbul tarang/banjo in an okay way, can play roles in street plays for sure. Even then funny are the experiences. Undoubtedly, there have been many happy moments, but there have been creepy experiences as well.

Twice when my pre-recorded song was to play, the computer crashed exactly at that moment! At times, I had to re-check the microphone ten times before opening my mouth! A soliloquy was clapped down before my co-artist could even 'set the stage', so to say. 

A street play I wrote, directed, acted in  was almost about to be clamped down. After the actual performance which was a great success, there was to be a video shooting of a special second show which was never allowed to happen. 

 On another occasion, during a recorded presentation, the song was suddenly stopped, there were conscious chuckles so as to fondle the ego of a third-rate non-performer whose jealousy knew no bounds but had the right numbers to back it!

Of course, I find all such gimmicks downright silly and to be absolutely ignored. In fact, I pity such creeps. Once in the college, with the help of non-'star' students, I put up a programme that had all the elements in it, music to mime. The hall full of spectators were hugely enjoying it. Suddenly the peon came, and snatched away microphones because some three buildings away, an exam was on! Yet neither the amateur  artists nor the audience gave up, and we completed the programme most happily.

Well, nothing in comparison are these travails when contrasted  with the tribulations of an author. About these, some other time! In the meantime, if this blog sensitises some even in the smallest way, it has performed its role efficiently!

Pratima@Art is 'fun' in multiple ways!