The Art of Art

(Advisory: For 18+ only)

"My anaconda wants none unless you got buns hun". These are part of a very popular song  rap (Baby Got Back) released in 1992, courtesy  Sir Mix-A-Lot. The popularity sustained almost through two whole decades and inspired another composition by Nicki Minaj, titled ‘Anaconda’. Now, those who can’t make out what does the quoted phrase mean, may Lord bless thy innocent soul! And those who have well received the message and are smiling sheepishly, worry not, for you alone are not with a dirty mind. Together, atone we shall brothers!

    When I first heard the phrase I was fairly confused as to how to react. There was definitely a sense of shame, of listening to something so raunchy and very ably unlocking the cryptic message. Yet, I could not help myself admiring symbolism used by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Then, I was even more surprised to find out how popular the rap has been across generations. More interestingly it reminded me of some very popular bhojpuri numbers (likes of  “tohar lehenga utha deb remote se”). Then I also lamented the hypocrisy in reacting to these songs, different in languages but similar in substance. One is celebrated openly, other is condescended upon. 

      One thing is certain for such kind of compositions that they can’t be part of a civil conversation. In fact , if you listen to the whole rap it is borderline vulgar and more importantly, derogatory towards a particular gender. Yet such compositions have found their space in modern day society. The biggest justification for their continued acceptance is the fact that they have artistic value. To cut a long story short, as long as it’s art, it’s fine! But we must be careful with such arguments. To what extent can we let things go in the name of art? Answer lies in another question, what really is art?

     Defining art is not an easy task. Greatest of thinkers have pondered over the issue and yet there is no consensus or any exclusive definition. However, main ideas often associated with art are expression, sentiments, ingenuity, rearrangement, communication. Broadly, it can be said that art is a way of expressing one’s thoughts in a way that is not ordinary and is capable of arousing feelings. Yet, there can be artforms where none of these conditions are fulfilled. Art is subjective. Art is whatever is deemed to be art. 

     Now, let me bring your attention towards some new art-forms of the 21st century. Lip-syncing, for instance is a huge trend. People have made their career and garnered huge fame by acting out pre recorded audio clips on platforms like TikTok. Actually, I think, the trend of short videos/vines on social media platforms has exposed us to a whole new gamut of new art-forms. Next time when you scroll down through Reels take a mental note of activities being performed in them. You can’t deny the creativity, varying in degree, deployed in making them. Even making memes is not everyone’s cup of tea. And again you can’t deny ingenuity behind making of a meme. Beatboxing is another new cool thing. Although, I personally find it useless, but must concede that it is not ordinary to say the least.

         The point I want to make is many new forms of art have arrived. Some of them haven’t been recognised as art yet. There would be a great deal of debate around this recognition. For example, I myself feel that some of them don’t deserve to be called art. Some of them make me cringe so hard! ‘Khelta hun main cricket cricket, le lun teri wicket wicket’. Seriously! These things should be banned. But here we are. 

         While making such observations, I can also see myself turning into a condescending prick. Also, I must confess, as much I abhor cheap bhojpuri numbers or English raps filled with profanity, I also secretly enjoy them. And ‘you other brothers can’t deny’. And this makes me more tolerant, if not more accepting, towards these new developments in the domain of art. They may seem to be trivial at first, but they certainly require some degree of expertise or hard work. I used to mock pretty girls emoting on Reels and say to myself that this generation is doomed. But not anymore. They haven’t earned my respect yet, but I don’t deserve to deride them either.

          The good thing is we don’t need to heed to every form of art. The principle of ‘each for their own’ is most apt in navigating through this dilemma. Songs may appear crass, videos may appear a cheap shot at quick fame but one can’t censor it. It must be allowed its own space. It is upon us that to which of them we lend our ears and eyes. A bad creation should be allowed its natural death. A good one will live and thrive on its own. 

          

P.S. - DM me if you want some bhojpuri numbers or nasty raps. 

P.P.S. - I also listen to coke studio, sufi, A R Rehman, Adele, Queen, Jagjit Singh et al.