I know you must be tired

Book, Megan Chapman © 2019 

 
Where are artists supposed to make art? The art that is slow and takes time and tending to like a wild garden? The art that is messy and fucks up the floor and walls? The art that is political and angry? Where are the artists supposed to go for understanding and sanctuary when they don't fit into the touted creative economy of the commercially viable and sanitised? 

Where are artists supposed to show, when every opportunity is a speculative exercise in exploitation? 

Where do the artists get a foothold when accessibility is not considered and they don't follow the usual stilted art speak? Who is place making for them on the liminal plane?

Screaming from the window

"I am mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore" but what am I supposed to do with this anger?  Should I open the window and scream? Would you like to join me? 

I have so many things I want to say but I don't have the energy to get into it (isn't that what they want). My salty tears and mood are mostly about artists and our continued poor earnings and exploitation and the broken system we are attempting to operate in. My anger is fueled by the myriad of reports (this is the latest) that back that last statement up and the cherry on top is the racist xenophobic radge I sat next to on a recent bus journey.  

I am the master of looking for the positive spin, the humour, and the story of it all but I am really fucking tired of conjuring up this way of coping in order to make other people feel more comfortable or to make my rage more palatable.

So you can see why I am short on words this week. Yelling from the window seems the best option. I will meet you there. 

AI explains things to me

Scales are not tipped in our favour
Megan Chapman 
2021

I asked AI to please discuss late-stage capitalism in relation to artists on Instagram. 

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Late-stage capitalism has had a significant impact on artists, particularly those on platforms like Instagram. On one hand, social media has provided artists with unprecedented opportunities to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and gain exposure. Platforms like Instagram have allowed artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and reach a global audience, potentially leading to increased recognition and economic opportunities.

However, late-stage capitalism on platforms like Instagram has also brought challenges for artists. The emphasis on metrics such as likes, followers, and engagement can create a competitive environment that prioritises popularity over artistic integrity. Artists may feel pressured to conform to market trends or create content solely for the purpose of generating attention and engagement, potentially compromising their creative vision.

Moreover, the monetisation of artistic content on Instagram can be complex. While some artists successfully generate income through sponsored posts, collaborations, or selling their artwork directly, many struggle to make a sustainable living. The platform's algorithms and advertising-driven nature can make it difficult for artists to gain visibility or receive fair compensation for their work.

Late-stage capitalism's influence on Instagram also highlights issues of exploitation and commodification. Some artists may face the challenge of their work being copied, plagiarised, or exploited without proper credit or compensation. Additionally, the pressure to constantly produce and share content can lead to burnout and the devaluation of artistic labour.

In summary, late-stage capitalism's impact on artists on Instagram is a complex and multifaceted issue. While social media platforms provide new opportunities for exposure and connection, they also bring challenges related to commercialisation, competition, exploitation, and the potential dilution of artistic expression.

*It's not lost on me that the AI has most likely plagiarised and cobbled together a lot of other artists and writers' words on this subject. We also have to consider the biases of the programmers. However, I thought it was an interesting exercise and it is a subject I spend a lot of time thinking about.*

Remember folks, often exposure is code for exploitation. Just Say No! Until next week, keep fighting, and I will bring you new words and images from my own brain.

Thank you for being here.