“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.”
-Salvador Dali
Some art defies convention. Some art defies convention and gets you funny looks even from most art lovers. From steampunk to goth, from darkwave music to cyberpunk poetry, we’ll explore how these subcultures fuel the creativity of our panelists. Prepare for a journey through time, space, and the depths of human imagination.
Panel Setup:
- Moderator: A charismatic figure with a flair for the dramatic, guiding us through this odyssey of the esoteric. *cough cough can we get Jeff to do this if we flatter him enough?*
- Panelists: A curated selection of artists from the fringes of creativity, each a master of their unique domain.
Discussion Format:
We kick off with a theatrical entrance or a quirky performance to set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The moderator will weave the audience into the conversation, ensuring you’re not just spectators but participants in this celebration of the peculiar.
“OH WOW, THAT’S A LOT OF WEIRD PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE TONIGHT.”
Themes & Questions:
- In the Labyrinth of Leather and Gears: How has being part of subcultures ignited your artistic fire? What should people know about being an unusual visual creator?
- Unholy Unions: Share your story of the most surprising art form collaboration you’ve encountered.
- Fringe Finances: How do you keep your art alive when the world isn’t watching? What are some changes to funding art with the rise of current Internet culture?
- The Black Sheep: How has being different at art events turned into your strength?
- …or how has it been hard for you, and why still do it?
- Symphony of the Strange: How does unconventional music inspire your art?
- Moderator’s Twist: Music and visual art are co-conspirators in creativity. How can we bolster this synergy?
- Purity of Peculiarity: How do you stay true to your art in a world that often pushes for commercial success?
- (At this point, the members of the panel are encouraged to rob the members of the audience at watermelon-point.)
- Urban Legends: What myths about underground art do you want to dispel?
- Moderator’s Twist: By myth-busting, we pave the way for new creators. How can we help?
- Digital Dungeons of …It’s Really Annoying To Try To Figure Out Musical Platforms: What’s your most effective strategy to connect with fellow enthusiasts in the digital age?
- Moderator’s Twist: This is a good time to remember to tell a friend to support a weird artist.
- Time Machine Advice: What wisdom would you share with your younger self in this bizarre realm?
- Moderator’s Twist: Pledge to mentor the next wave of oddball artists. What would you say to them?
- Future Visions: What does the future hold for art living in the shadows?
- Moderator’s Twist: We are the gardeners of this unique garden; how will we nurture it?
Interactive Segment:
- Pledge of Peculiarity: Make a commitment to support niche artists — buy their work, share it, or attend more events. We won’t actually make you take a pledge. But we’ll sure think it hard.