So, the dance troupe Diversity performed on Britain’s Got Talent last night and their performance sparked 10,000 complaints the most ever recorded for a TV show.
Why?
Well, the answer to that question that goes deep into the collective unconscious. The stunning routine they performed (you can watch it here) was a powerful expression of everything that has happened in the world over the last six months. They observed the planet around them and turned it into art. That’s what they do, they are artists. It’s in the job description.
They also used a medium which in my opinion, is one of the most powerful, which is physical expression. It goes deep into the human psyche. Their performance was so powerful, and I won’t lie, it made me cry. Which is part of the reason it has had such an impact?
And that is precisely what artists should be doing—making an impact. Expressing themselves and the world they live in, in a way that has a profound effect on the audience.
Otherwise, what are we doing here?
Is it the case, that the masses just want performing dogs, instead of thought-provoking, insightful, moving art? I fear that is the case, but many like myself would disagree.
Apparently, the uproar is because they mentioned the Black Lives Matter movement and how there is racism in our society. Well, if anyone needed proof of that, those 10,000 complaints speak volumes which is why their work needs to be seen. They not only expressed that but also made other observations on how society is going in the wrong direction—beautifully done.
To add insult to injury, some of those complaining believed that BGT was not the platform for deep and insightful work. They could be right there; perhaps we should leave them to their performing dogs.
For those of you who are artists I strongly recommend you watch their performance. It’s instructive about what you should be doing as an artist as well as the powerful content it expresses.
You can see it here:
Brian Timoney
The Master Of The Method