The Audacity Of Gatekeepers & “Real”ists

The Creative Emperors Have No Clothes...Only Labels

In 1978, disco icon Sylvester released You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).

Their classic queer anthem continues to inspire us to dance and sing. Anytime, anywhere, and with/without anyone. It’s a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love.

In 2024, dismal iconoclasts shit post about what “real” artists are or aren’t. Their social media pulpit bullshit inspires us to block, curse, and double down on our work.

Creative bullies fancy themselves art world gatekeepers. The audacity of these self-proclaimed authorities knows no bounds, as they cling to "traditional” definitions, labels, techniques, tools, and technology.

These keyboard cowards fight the reality that all creativity is "real” and creatives don't require anyone's permission to express it. And mistake it for a "good” fight. 

We collectively and personally loathe these creative elitists and respond to their attempts to ridicule and shame by killing them with as much kindness as we can muster: By ignoring their pompous comments, theories, and work.

We champion creatives who create and live by their own labels and definitions.

The Folly of "Real" Art

The notion of "real" (as opposed to “unreal"?) art often becomes a yardstick for conformity rather than disruption. The audacious gatekeepers, blinded by their own biases, fail to recognize that art often breaks boundaries and colors outside the lines. Life is not paint-by-number.

"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
Banksy

The so-called "real"ists are quick to dismiss anything that doesn't fit neatly into their preconceived notions and paradigms.

It's time to challenge the notion that art can be neatly boxed into categories – real or otherwise – and embrace creativity that makes it a reflection of human experience.

Breaking the Chains of Conformity

The audacity of gatekeepers lies in their attempts to stifle deviation, to confine creativity within the boundaries of their limited brain capacity and narrow understanding. Art, since the beginning of time, has pushed boundaries, questioned norms, and challenged perceptions.

"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible."
Frank Zappa

Whether anyone likes a creator, genre, medium, movement, or specific work, their existence and real-ness aren't up for debate. They. Are. Real. Shit posts be damned.

No to Labels, Yes to Liberation

It's about time the rest of us break free from these chains of conformity and judgment. It's time to embrace the audacity to create without fear of judgment.

"Labels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people."
Martina Navratilova

The audacity of gatekeepers and "real"ists has long stifled the spirit of too many creatives for far too long.

It's time to celebrate art that sparks conversations, challenges the status quo, and humanizes us all.

It's time to champion the liberation of art from the shackles of labels.

It's time to strip away the illusory garments they try to impose on art and artists. It's time to embrace the naked truth: Art knows no labels, no definitions.

It's time we realize these creative emperors have no clothes. Only labels.

Thanks for reading!
Clint

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