If you want to know all about Andy Warhol, just look at the surface of my paintings and films and me, and there I am. There’s nothing behind it.
Andy Warhol
I often struggle with the questions of authenticity vs audacity, and the idea that audacity is necessary for an artist. I really want not to believe that, but sadly in many cases it seems to be true. In my mind the truth in Art comes from being authentic. Unapologetically “you” which in some cases can be consider audacious. However, in so many cases I see situations where others feel the need to define themselves by comparing themselves to others. My way is correct because…. I follow in the footsteps of…
Everyone is correct if they are following their heart. That is what is SO awesome about creativity. Everyone has their own vision and their own way of getting there. And we all stand on the shoulders of the giants that came before.
I am curious to know how much this question of “Audacity” is a modern problem. I feel like historically authenticity played a much greater role in Art. You could argue that Warhol and Dali were audacious, but in my opinion that was authentically who they were.
When I have to think about it, I know the picture is wrong… My instinct about painting says, ‘If you don’t think about it, it’s right.’ As soon as you have to decide and choose, it’s wrong. And the more you decide about, the more wrong it gets.
Andy Warhol
Rather than authenticity I feel things lean into the audacious when artists struggle with who they are. So in the absence of authenticity they have to turn to deflection. We all have so many incredible contributions to make in this incredible world. Be Strong. Follow your passions. Be unapologetically who you were meant to be!
