Context: The Culprit

Posting Date: TUESDAY : 24th

Title: Context: The Culprit

Ok, I had this revelation, last night at 12:30 am (the only time I had to allow my brain to wonder)

This goes back to our conversation yesterday: 

“Why are writers not allowed to play with visual arts, as visual artist are allowed to play with writing?”

I caught myself being stuck in somewhat of a tunnel vision during class: I could only think of academic “writing” during our discussion, hence my comment “writing has never been artistic or creative, and more factual”. Of course writing has been creative! And of all people I should know as a graphic designer:  from Iranian arts of calligraphy, to illuminated manuscripts, expressive typography, Futurists, and Dada etc.

So, after admitting my mistake, I asked myself why/how? 
And I came face to face with the culprit: Context
At least I believe so. 

Of course politics, cultural trends and other aspects we discussed are have influence on what different groups considered proper – or otherwise –  when it comes. However, when one discusses writing in an academic environment, we are dealing with a specific lineage. When discussed in the realm of creative/arts, we see a different history behind us. etc.

Acknowledging the overwhelming importance of context and the relative control that we –as communicators– have,  can initiate a path decipher the elements that are causing the original question to arise, as well as giving us the choice to gamble with our work in arenas of our individual choice – since that specific arena will bring with it the context which the work will be critiqued within.

I had to get this off my head, before I went crazy talking to myself. I hope  it makes some sense.