Aidan Patrick Cook, composer
ALL ART IS POLITICAL
Art is inseparable from communal and cultural identity. Through art, we both reflect and construct our collective and individual world views. If we don't see our engagement in art as political, this is likely because we are part of a mainstream and our identities as artists are taken for granted.
ART TO MEET THE COMMUNITY'S NEEDS
Artists can provide a mirror to the community and force it to confront issues in a way no other force can. Art can serve as a grounding rod for community. This is a tremendous responsibility which most artists categorically ignore. We must live up to what society needs, not what it wants.
MY GOALS
Through art, I seek to slow people down, and to cultivate non-judgemental awareness. On the surface, my art may not seem overtly political. Specific messages can be delivered much better by other artists and through non-artistic means. I seek to promote dialectical thinking and cultivate a sense of awareness which is necessary to bring more people into the beloved community.