A Lesson from Alfredo Jaar
Two weeks ago, we met Alfredo Jaar the Chilean artist, architect and filmmaker who showed us his creative process, his art and his curiosities. He took us on an incredible journey that has remained engraved in our minds long after the event. In the two hours that Alfredo Jaar spoke to us, a group of young creatives, he reactivated the deepest desire to feed our passions and to support our own causes.
Artists such as Jaar, who have been able to express their manifestations for social change through art, sparked a design thought here at Constant Conversations. We discussed the causes that drive our generation, and what choices we need to make as artists. What are our fights? Where do we want to see social change? More importantly, how exactly are we changing things, and why are we doing it? Often times we are regarded as the voiceless generation who struggles to manifest itself for a common cause. They say that we “millennials” have lost the sense of urgency to incite change, and to reimagine the world around us. We obviously argue back, we do have causes. What has changed is our method of manifestation. Manifestations of activism and social regeneration have changed its nature, evolving into countless different mediums and more interactive formats. However, the ultimate product of this new form of activism is what interests us here at Constant. We concluded that the meaning of being an artist has changed. We ask: has the artist spotlight shifted the reasons for which we create? Are we still doing art solely for the love of it? For the love of change, of innovation, and the beauty of the process? Or is our motive a feature in an article? The internet has given everyone a voice, and created the opportunity for the true heroes to be praised, but it has also created a platform of constant gratification, and some false pretext to aim for.
There are very few as humble as Jaar, whose end goal is to channel you through a reconsidered mindset. Through his pieces, he presents viewers an introspective reassessment of current norms, and in many ways he’s given a voice to the voiceless, and a spotlight to the forgotten. We fell in love with Jaar’s public interventions and our biggest takeaway was: Can’t we all do the same?
We were quick to realize that beyond our passion for success lies the passion for our professions. Past stardom, should lead the drive to see the world progress no matter if it is through our designs or someone else’s. We must not forget we are here to contribute. If we all step off the need-for-recognition cloud, we can begin to explore projects and interventions that speak our minds. If we start producing art that speaks, we will eventually have a world that communicates beyond internet connections and phone calls. We will build a society that holds a political place for expression, one that stops and listens to its artists. As creatives, we would not only be providing solutions, but also conversation starters thanks to our ability of providing a place for association, reflection, and progress.
We have reached the time in history that is prime for individual expression, and we have all the necessary tools to create such a global movement. We must show and encourage people to be involved with our choices as social standpoints in our countries and consequently, the world. We are the ones that must be inspired by Alfredo Jaar, Ai Weiwei, Banksy, and JR, along with many other artists currently in the search for the connection of art and social change.
Take a quick look at some of Alfredo Jaar's works here.
