I've been fortunate to see two shows within the last few days - both ones I've been looking forward to for some time as they were separately booked months ago. The first was Delirium, a Cirque du Soleil show, new to me, and I'm a big fan of Cirque. A spectacular surreal show with all the special effects they could muster, clever use of mammoth video screens, and a backdrop of constantly changing imagery. It should have been superb...... But it wasn't. There was no dramatic interest, no genuine human feeling in it, and the whole think just seemed utterly pointless, and spectacularly soulless. At the end of the show, I thought "Is that it??" and left the auditorium without the natural "high" that a good show gives.......
...... Then tonight, I went to see Tango Fire, an Argentinian dance troupe, all young and fizzing with energy and smouldering sexuality. And I sat mesmerised - and loved every minute of it! There were only a few dancers, and a simple accompanying band, but the passion was there, from the strong smouldering men to the long legged women, their nifty footwork showing the precise combination moves so particular of tango. I found the moves very erotic, partly because of the facial expressions of the dancers, it was almost like watching them have sex. And also by the movements, from the way a male dancer ran his hand seductively along the length of thigh of his female companion, or the manner in which they threw their woman into the air, and held her there, leaving her crotch tantalisingly close to his face, for a split second, before slowly releasing her down to the floor. You could almost smell the tantalising aroma of aroused woman hood. Such a joy to watch such toned and fit bodies, working themselves into a passionate sweat as the night progressed.
And I was struck by Ronjazz's comment on my last post - about being passionate about my art. I know I am. And I've learnt a lesson this week with the two shows I've seen - vision can be wonderful but if if doesn't touch a chord within the viewer, it doesn't matter how clever it is, it just won't work as a concept. However, passion can be created from simple tools, and doesn't need to be showy, because the audience will know that it comes from the heart, and will love it for it.
So, now I'm back to my erotic landscapes, and I'll try and work on the passion rather than the clever idea........
16 comments:
So you're obviously trying to hard to please everyone all the time, so yeah.. if it clicks then you got their attention, I guess it's simple when put like that, so this can apply to everything in life?!..
Anonymous - Er, no, I don't try too hard to please everyone, at ALL. I please MYSELF, to my own exacting levels, and obviously I'm doing something right, as others find it pleasing too.
I don't think that it applies to everything in life at all, I was only talking about art, and mine in particular!
Yes without passion, in life, art, etc, it would all be very bland.
Vi - It certainly would!! And I don't do bland!
Thank god you don't do bland... your paintings are full of life and vibrancy &warmth, like a rainbow after a storm, just think if a rainbow was in different shades of grey, yeah right, it wouldn't wow anything would it! But every piece of work you've created has got the 'WOW' factor...!
Indigo - That's good to know, thankyou!
There is a huge rash right now of people hiding behind the veil of anonymity, Jackie. That way, potshots can be thrown at anyone on any subject without response -- on politics, on lifestyle and, in your case, on an artist's way. I trust that you see through the guerilla tact that these people take and will not allow their fears to dictate to you as the artist how to offer your passion as you see fit.
Thank you, honey. I'm off the soapbox now.
Ronjazz - I know there is, and I know you stand up for what you believe in on behalf of the people you care about.
I also know that "anonymous" comments tend to have an underlying criticism behind them, and I try to answer with the same respect that I reply to a "name", although they may not always deserve it.
As ever, I admire your integrity, Ron.
As an artist a multitude of things will please you. This is what an artist does. You will find inspiration in almost everything, I know I do.
Pleasing yourself is most important. Once you've done that then you will find others with the same freedom and joy you've experienced.
Yes, an artist's curiosity, imagination and expression can be applied to all things in life. You don't have to paint, draw or sculpt. You just have to be open and willing to "go for it."
Jackie, you do that with great passion. Ignore the negativity.
Nitebyrd - Many thanks, I always find inspiration in my great passions, and with the people who share them with me!
Jackie, no one could ever accuse you of being bland!!
Racy Redhead - Thank goodness for that - nor you from what I know of you!!
I have adored every cirque show i have seen - disappointing to hear that Delirium did not thrill, but, hey, it happens.
I would LOVE to watch some tango in real life - especially having just re-watched the Roxanne tango scene from Moulin Rouge.
Your passion shines through, Jackie, from your work and your blog.
Bittersweet Me - In that case - I highly recomment you see a tango show - or vist Argentina, where they do it on every street corner and in every cafe!
I really appreciate the comment about my passion shining through, thanks!
Delerium sounds completly amazing.
dj kirkby - For the special effects, it was!
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