In the weeks that have passed since the tsunami in Japan, we have witnessed another tidal wave of developments ensue without so much as a flinch. An unparalleled nuclear disaster laps at every continent’s shores without so much fanfare as the latest Charlie Sheen antics.
Perhaps we are overstimulated by the saturating news coverage, just as we become numb to wars which play out in the media, losing all sensitivity. Like the frog in boiling water syndrome, we can dismiss that which is most relevant in exchange for a more comfortable perception of our world.
This brings me to what I am so very proud of. There are people in this world, mostly the aesthetics, the artists, who embrace life as well as the suffering of others with loving arms. They hold their arms open in empathy, I believe actually trying to feel the pain of others in order to carry their message to those who can help. We hear their rallying cries echoing in the halls of galleries and concert halls both locally and on international levels. They promote their programs through social media, virally, and in flyers & posters in storefronts. My dear friend, Jackie Shapiro of French Bull (http://www.frenchbull.com) reminded us of this grass roots effort when she posted her support of Brooklyn’s “In Rivers Gallery” effort called “ART LOVE JAPAN” (http://www.artlovejapan.com) this weekend. She attended the event and donated the three pieces shown below.
While so many are quick to verbalize disdain for the desensitization brought on by social media, I have to say, that I was given great comfort by being able to reach out to, and hear from Regina while she was waiting in Narita. There was a sharing of information that I wouldn’t have otherwise had, and the feeling that she was with me and somehow safer. She wasn’t alone. And now, post-event, we use our blogs, and postings to garner support for those who remain.
Here are links to some of the events, still going on, which I hope you’ll check out, re-post, and (if inclined & able) to donate to or support.
Karan Freeman
