Why It Suck

Have you ever wondered why the art scene in the country today sucks?

Let us be honest, Pinoy art is not a major priority in the minds of Pinoys. Some rather patronize foreign artist than appreciate the works of their own. Who can blame them?

I have reached to a conclusion that may help us recognize the root of this. Pinoy artists LACK ORIGINALITY. It is either some artist strictly follow the rules from the art book, hence their works are academically correct but morally wrong, or some try so hard to imitate the works of the past great artists. Lack of originality corresponds to lack of identity. If an artwork has no identity, who will have the patience to gratify it?

Examples of these are the following:
Filipino artists copy the style of Picasso.
Pinoy writers (poets, novelists) imitate Hemingway or Neruda.
Pinoy TV programs and movies try hard to be Hollywood.
Singers earn big dough by singing old foreign songs.

Lack of originality is the cause why the art scene today is really terrible. Young Pinoys have no sense of pride any more about Pinoy Art. Why should they? If the current art genre is defined by the genre of yesterdays, it is better to look at the originals.

Pinoy TV shows and movies are that terrible that reading a book becomes the best alternative for entertainment. Pinoy art has reached that pinnacle of awfulness.

I often look back at the past when our art scene was truly something to be proud of. These were the times when Amorsolo and Francisco were considered icons, when VST & Co. and Hotdogs filled the air with music which were truly ours, when TV programs like Champuy and Abangan reflected the very essence of being Filipinos.

As the conclusion, today's Pinoy art has nothing new to offer to the Philippines and the world. However there is hope to give a new good identity to what has been called suck.

As the next generation of artists, we have the obligation to bring back the glory of Arts to our motherland. It is not bad to admire past works of the greats but it is a mortal sin to steal their style then make it yours. As artists, all we have to do is create our own. Let us make that our starting point. Let us move on.

Chuckster
October 2000

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