Jean Claude Kabongo: The Importance of Artistic Freedom

New York City NY

28 January, 2022

9:28 AM

Description

Let’s be honest, when it comes to art, freedom is not something that’s easy to find. But, with the rise of social networks like Instagram and Snapchat, people are more in control of how their art is seen. There are plenty of platforms where you can share your work for free without the pressure of fancy galleries or expensive printing prices. With these digital platforms, artists can use them as a way to show off their work and gain exposure. This interview with the acrylic painter Jean Claude Kabongo will explore how artistic freedom has changed over time and what it means for today's artists. What is artistic freedom? Jean Claude Kabongo: “Freedom is not something that’s often found in the world of art. But with the rise of social media platforms, people are starting to take control over how their art is seen. There are plenty of affordable ways to get your work out there for free. By using these digital platforms, artists can get exposure without expensive galleries or printing prices”. But why does artistic freedom seem to matter more now than ever before? Jean Claude Kabongo: “In the past, artists would have to rely on galleries or expensive printing prices if they wanted their work seen by a larger audience. Now, with digital platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, artists can use these sites as a way to show off their work and gain exposure”. How did social media change how artists work? Jean Claude Kabongo: “Artists have always been at the whim of galleries and buyers. They were forced to conform and do what they wanted, even if it didn’t feel right to them. Nowadays, artists can take a much more hands-on approach to their work. They can share their art on social media and find new opportunities that are related to digital platforms, like advertising on Instagram or Snapchat. Digital platforms are easy for artists because of the freedom they provide. Artists are no longer confined to traditional methods - they don't have to follow certain rules or conform to someone else's vision. When you post your work on an app like Instagram, you're in control of how people see it. You can highlight your best pieces, put up a filter for aesthetic purposes, and write about the process of creating your artwork. You can even show off your latest work by live-streaming through social media apps like Periscope or Facebook Live! All these new opportunities allow artists to create art however it suits them best - without being bound by rules or expectations”. Why does artistic freedom matter? Jean Claude Kabongo: “Artistic freedom matters because it's a way to express oneself. It's a way to share one's ideas and stories with the world. Artists have been using their mediums as a form of expression for centuries, and digital platforms have given them even more power. I personally use social media platforms and art sites to show my artworks”. What are the benefits of artistic freedom? Jean Claude Kabongo: “Social media has changed how artists work and the benefits of artistic freedom are vast. Artistic freedom is important to the lives of today’s artists. The benefits of artistic freedom are vast and we need to make sure we don’t give up on our creative minds”.