"Art Nationalism" Is Stupid

One of the biggest misconceptions that can enter the world of art is that of "nationalism". Let me explain:

You don't choose art your art form(s), your art form(s) choose you.

There are Americans and Europeans learning Indian classical music today and there are jazz and western classical musicians coming from India.

This is absolutely fine. In fact it is an artist's first responsibility to be absolutely innocent about what moves him / her and what finds expression through him / her.

Just be honest and open yourself to art from all parts of the world, including your own. And let the response be completely organic. See what moves you, what you want to do from your heart. Don't come in your own or anyone else's way.

I emphasize: Be honest to the core. You don't have to be Indian or Turkish or Japanese in your art just because you are born in India, Turkey or Japan. There is no such obligation on you at all. At the same time, don't fall in the trap of practicing a foreign art form just because it's "socially cooler" to do so.

And no, there's no requirement to choose just one either. More than one art forms can choose you too! It has happened to me! There are at least four different forms of music that I'm in love with and I incorporate all of them in my practice and playing.

Be absolutely free. Absolutely honest. That's an artist's first responsibility.

And work hard to perfect your art 😊. That's an artist's lifetime commitment 😊.