Reflections on Art and Individuality

Art in its purest form is an expression of individuality. Although replicas of varying quality can be found in just about every creative genre, it is the true artist that expresses his or her individuality through their work. In a world where there is a push to melt, blend, or in some way dilute one's individuality for the sake of oneness, individuality that is expressed freely, deliberately, skillfully and consistently is to be revered.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where individuality is not celebrated but rather, is frequently misunderstood. People are manufactured on a daily basis - often without their own knowing. We are programmed to walk, talk, dress, think and behave in ways that are socially acceptable. Call it socialization, assimilation, enculturation or whatever other sophisticated title you can muster - in simpler terms, it is what it is. And as time goes by, individuality is moving closer to the brink of obsoleteness. Society often shuns that which it does not understand, and the push to be more alike than different limits our ability to accept and appreciate that which is unique. It also minimizes the scope and quality of art however, as is evidenced in today's music, film and literature, among other things.

As I reflect on my own desire to pursue various creative endeavors, I realize that I am drawn to these activities because they allow me to express my individuality. Though I am a law-abiding citizen with my own additional moral codes that dictate how I conduct myself on a daily basis, there is a part of me that has felt quite claustrophobic here on this Earth. It seems that at each phase of my life (as is the case with most people, I am certain), a box has been placed in front of me to jump into. It's the box that's designed to confine me to a specific profile that has already been laid out for me. This profile consists of everything from the people that I surround myself with to the activities that I pursue and the values that I hold. When given the choice to step into that box or travel down a different path, I have made it a point to go my own way.

Unfortunately, there are times when being an individual leads to feelings of brokenness. I have had to dissociate myself from people who preferred cloning over authenticity and clever (or not-so-clever) remakes over originality. I have had to remove myself from environments where I was not allowed the freedom to think for myself - even if it meant going against the grain. And at times it felt as though I had created a holding cell in which I could do nothing but coexist with loneliness. Interestingly enough, however, I have always emerged from this cell with one thing that has more meaning to me than fame or fortune could ever hold, and that is self respect.

It is through writing and other creative pursuits I enjoy that I nurture the individual within and hold on to my self respect and dignity. I do these things not for the money or glory, but for my own self preservation. And when I find my thoughts, words or actions sounding too much like something I've heard or seen before, I take some time to self reflect and reconnect with the one person who will always be there until I take my very last breath: me.

There is beauty in individuality, and we should applaud and nurture it as much as possible. There is something so pure about one who is limited in their ability to be anyone or anything other than his or her true self. And there is strength in one who, though perhaps not limited in their ability to be like someone or someone else, makes the choice not to.

I would love to see more individuality in today's art, but unfortunately, those who manifest this quality are seldom the most popular or celebrated artists. As I mentioned earlier, people tend to shun that which they do not understand, especially that which challenges their thoughts and perceptions on a higher level. But art - even in its obscurity - is still art, and the artist who stays true to his or her individuality despite the numerous temptations to do otherwise is to be applauded.