"...as Dr. Maulana Karenga pointed out well over 40 years ago, and I still agree with him, African American art, particularly, must be "functional". "
Dear friends,
I actually was turned on to this very short, but profoundly eloquent, video on the link below by a Facebook friend from Philly. The lyrics are far more informative and real than what passes itself off today as "hip-hop". As well, at least to me, unwittingly, this thoughtful piece provides ideas about solutions, as it represents genuine art. That is, it serves as a bridge between the listener/viewer and reality through the artist's work (although an artist can use imaginary/not real visualizations to make a point too).
Moreover, as Dr. Maulana Karenga wrote well over 40 years ago, and I still agree with him, African American art particularly, must be "functional". In other words, he pointed out that a picture of a bowl of fruit may have some aesthetic merit, yet it means nothing. Instead, what we consider expressing artistically, whether through song lyrics, poetic verse, or any other form of literally or visual art, should be both informative and inspiring - not just pretty.
Finally, inasmuch as it, to me, makes one truthfully reflect upon the conditions in which many of us find ourselves and, therefore, brings ideas about how we can improve the aforesaid circumstances, this video delivers. Enjoy!
G. Djata Bumpus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k90OXSEgRmA
0 comments:
Post a Comment