Jauad Musings - Should I Stay or Should I Go?

            I feel like the past few years there is a strong sense of optimism and change in the District area’s art community. I can see it in the openings I go to, in the new people that have moved here from other areas, in the students, in the artists… I have a feeling even more major changes are on the way for D.C. Its an interesting dynamic that I see from the somewhat conservative tone that sets the scene for what I use to think was just a government town.  I think people genuinely want to explore new things, new ideas and art helps to set the stage for that.

           My dilemma as of late has been to stay in D.C. and be a part of this change or move back to my dear New York. If we look back to the New York of the 70s and 80s one can recall how difficult things were in Manhattan.  People were certainly roughing it and the framework was just establishing itself for contemporary artists to explore their work. While in this area some of the parameters are different… I think we should take time to study the history of a city with such a vibrant art community. We can take cues and apply that to what is going on in the district now.

  

          I think the climate here, since things are more difficult and the rules are still being written, new things are being shared in the District that have not been seen here…there is some accountability and responsibility. There seems to be an opposing energy that I witness to this creative flux. But I think the creative drive is strong. I think the friction that exists in the District though can be even more of a catalyst for great work.  

I wanted to share a little of my thought process on why I want to stay in D.C. I would like to explore more about topics like this and revisit this but I wanted to start to use this blog as a way to visit some of my personal experiences in the local art community. Hopefully this can be a jumping board and start discussions. More to come!!!