How taking the creative plunge can result in the most meaningful cultural impacts
Well-behaved artists have seldom made history. Creating art in a world that often favours mass appeal over individual creativity is in itself an act of nonconformity. When looking at artists whose work transcends the confines of history into the present, their moments of fearlessness and nerve often stand out as pillars of their artistic journeys. What makes artists so special and notable as historical change-makers is their ability to acutely understand and represent broader humanity.
When looking at artists who chose artistic advancement over corporate influence, stepping outside the comforts of praise and into the uncertainty of risk, it is their ability to connect to the human experience and make cultural impacts that makes them so significant. By exploring the creation and world-changing impacts of just a few works of risky art, we, as artists and consumers of art in the twenty-first century, can begin to understand the art of artistic risks.
In the case of Bob Dylan, the decision to plug his guitar into an amp and electrify the 1965 Newport Folk Festival might have been incredibly controversial at the time, but eventually changed the sound of music. Despite being previously known as solely an acoustic folk artist, Dylan’s decision to go electric allowed for an incorporation of many different styles and genres of music. While this decision caused controversy in the folk community at the time, the electric songs were coveted by many, both in audio and attitude.
This led to many new musicians and artists citing Dylan and his work post-1965 as a tremendous inspiration. Dylan’s career would only grow, with him going as far as being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Putting his career as he knew it on the line, Dylan’s plunge into the then new world of rock and roll ended up becoming one that propelled his artistry and public social standing forward, in addition to changing the conventions of music at the time.
The same, however, almost could not have been said about John Singer Sargent. His painting, The Portrait of Madame X, caused such a scandal when first released that Sargent left France, where he had been living and working in order to avoid further controversy. The piece was originally painted with the strap of the model’s dress slightly loose, falling on her upper arm instead of her shoulder. That version was deemed so provocative that Sargent was moved to repaint that portion into what it is today, where the strap lays on her shoulder.
Artistic risks can take many forms; the medium, period, and reasons for these bold and controversial choices may differ vastly. What remains consistent is their ability to reach beyond the art world and influence the political and societal climates at the time. In order to be innovative in all aspects of life, a willingness to adapt, grow, and change is essential.
Art lends itself so well as a mechanism for social change because of its nature as an innate outlet for creativity. The willingness and drive to create and play in ways that question expectations of the zeitgeist often supersedes the need to conform to those notions. When done at the right time, in the right place, and in the right way, creating potentially contentious art can and has changed the world. However, doing so can also change the life and fortunes of the artist, for better or worse.
