Lisafotod
The Fight for Comfort Flows, 2024
Oil on canvas
In general, the concept of progress can be defined as movement toward improvement or a more advanced state, as opposed to stagnation or decline, which we describe with the term “regress.” Moreover, this concept frames thinking within the dimension of time, implying that the present is, in some way, better than the past. Such thinking shapes values and defines perspectives—everything becomes black and white: progressive equals good; regressive equals bad. This mindset emphasizes productivity or innovation, often seen as positive development with a “broad” perspective. In order to amplify this sense of success, negative, stagnant, or slow experiences are erased, while those that are “bursting with effect” are added—resulting in a final image that shines in an exaggerated, glossy way. Alongside belief in God and trust in individual reason, progress has become one of the substitutes for global religion: if we do good, acting according to the will of God (in this case, according to the will of Progress), we will achieve better and better results. Similarly, in the art world, faith in progress is particularly strong. If one had to answer what defines a good creator, one possible answer would be: someone who is progressive, exploratory, dynamic, active. Yet these epithets have burned out in meaning. We have all become progressive to some extent, and even more so exploratory—because the world has opened up so widely thanks to the internet that we no longer need to search; everything is right here, within reach. Any medium is easily accessible/purchasable/mastered. Any stage can be yours, any label can be yours—once you’ve called yourself something, it means you are it.
Veel sellelt kunstnikult
Soovitame ka neid teoseid
