Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Drug-induced enlightenment?

I'm pretty sure that it was Oscar Wilde that once said, "All art is vile."

While I don't entirely agree (I'd say that only some art is vile) ... the man had a point.

Which leads me to the subject of visual enlightenment. Enlightenment is relative. What enlightens me won't necessarily enlighten you — and vice versa. Likewise, the art you love isn't necessarily the art I shall love. Just because you love your design work doesn't mean I should ... yada yada yada.

But, the subject does trigger some serious curiosity — and I am curious as to what are the most commonly referred-to mediums for enlightenment (visual and intellectual) today? Is it books? Is it the internet? Television? No-frills holidays? High-street fashion retailers? Booze? Class-A drugs? Myspace?

I can say, at least for me, it's probably a fusion of all types of media, art and literature ... and travel ... but this can't be true for everyone as I meet so many people who never read and have no idea what's going on in the world ... I meet others who could care less if trees were green and people purple.

Modernism breeds apathy and society today is the most apathetic it has hever been , I would say.

So what enlightens you?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

sad to say but part of my enlightenment comes from my self-destruction.

Reflection on myself as being less than adaquate amoungst others and getting so upset about my position in life that i destroy myself even more and give up hope.

.. but then getting to a point before completely letting go and deciding that you are going to change things... and a light goes on and you reverse and come back stronger, more willing and enlightened.

On a lighter note, my work collegues, my friends and enemies all enlighten me.

My friend died recently ?( he was an artist, he worked hard on many projects) and that enlightened me to work harder, and create more... and not let my ideas stagnate in a txt file on my laptop.

Unknown said...

i'm pretty much enlightened by anything gepimpt.

sabahaider said...

Megan: you've been saying that for years.