The spectrum of reactions to the evolving crisis that I encounter ranges from denial to disaster porn, from calls for more state control to conspiracy theorizing about the deep state. The air seems to almost be crackling with cognitive dissonance. But reality is most always more nuanced than I can grasp, and confirmation bias a constant companion to be aware of. So I say: leave the experting to the experts, and let the artists do the arting.
Possessing the artist’s tool kit has its advantages in this time: I feel like my most important work right now is to open myself up to the reality of our moment. To feel it, to understand it while being ok with not knowing, to allow myself to be changed, to not rush to any premature conclusions, to hold the space for the paradoxical, to double-check my own biases whenever I see biases on others.
Only then can I have confidence in my capacity to respond, when ready and appropriate, in an appropriate way, as a person, a friend, a creator and a teacher, and be a helpful presence so that others can come to their own healthy conclusions over time, and in return help me clarify mine.
Reality belongs to the artist right now. This is beautiful Tobias.
Thank you!