Hi kids!
In this time of quarantine, I've been thinking a lot about the role of ART in our daily lives. Obviously, being an English teacher I'm talking about literature, but I'm also talking about music and film and painting and dance and comics, etc. There are so many forms of art out there, and if you're anything like me, those are some of the things we're turning to for peace and comfort in these uncertain times. One thing that has caught my attention in the past few weeks has been the sheer number of livestreams going on. It seems like each time I open my Instagram app, the little red circles catch my eye: I see four or five lives going at a time. For artists, this has always been a way to connect with fans, to give announcements and updates, and to market themselves in a more personal way. Yet, the livestreams I've seen lately have been different. It seems there's a different perspective, a different soul with them. What do you all think? Are we seeing more livestreams because it's a way for artists to stay relevant during a time where they can't sell out concerts or set up art showcases or go on book tours or have their films be seen in theaters across the world? Or are we seeing more livestreams because ART is something we need to survive, in the way we need air and water and human connection? Are we seeing artists show their talents for free because that connection is just as necessary for them as it is for us? What do you think?
I just got done watching a two-hour livestream of one of my favorite artists (Kina Grannis) singing songs from the floor of her living room and it filled me with so much hope in these weird times. What livestreams and other pieces of art have brought you hope during this time? Comment to let us know. Let's fill this thread with thoughts on art and recommendations :]
Stay hopeful, kids!
- Ms. Colln
We have all noticed more livestreams on our feed than usual during this time, but I don't think it has come as a shock. Our worlds have been turned upside down without our control and we're all looking for a sense of normalcy and consistency, which has come in forms of art. Most distinct to me and my peers (as we are all glued to our phones) are the Instagram livestreams of music artists that you mentioned. These people are merely trying to create a sense of community in a time that we all feel so disconnected from each other.
ReplyDeleteI do think this creative connection is crucial for our sanity. However, in the scary situation we are watching unfold right in front of us, they've felt more personal in the sense that we are all experiencing the same thing and we are all having to adapt to this new way of life, even if it is temporary.
My family recently had a paint night that helped us all de-stress and just enjoy each other's company. This quarantine is the first time we've all been together in a while, so being grateful for each other and appreciating each other's creativity has kept us grounded during this crazy time.
- Annika H
I have noticed a lot livestreams recently too. I think they are amazing and a great way to beat the boredom! I mean it's not like the artists are loosing any money by doing them, they are just giving back to their fans.
ReplyDeleteI love to perform, such as dance, act, and sing. However, since the quarantine started I've felt at a loss because I can't perform or learn anything from my teachers. But, there is a couple of programs that offer FREE acting class via zoom. This is a GREAT way to keep my mind and craft alive. These classes would normally cost $50-$120 a session. Now it's free? Wow. Score.
I've also taken this time to read more books. I always say I have no time to read, but now? Wow.. Plus journalling! It's so good to capture these moments of confusion. Because honestly, I feel like in a few months I will forget all of this even happened. And with my journal outlet, I will be able to share these moments with my children one day.
The Kalama Brothers do a great music live stream twice a week on Facebook. They mostly do covers, but they are really good. Their positivity is infectious, which in this time is very welcomed.
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