👀 The Artist as a Member of Society: The Importance of Shared Creativity

Recently, I borrowed Leo Lionni’s "Frederick" from the library - a story I used to read to my girls in Italian when we lived in Toulouse. Now, I won’t pretend I’m fluent in that language, but it's similar enough to Spanish for them to understand when I read it aloud. This book is dear to me because it serves as a beautiful parable about the role of artists in society. Or so I thought.

In the story, all the country mice gather supplies for winter, except for Frederick, who instead collects colors and words. When the mice seek shelter from the harsh weather and consume all their supplies, they ask him, "What about your supplies?" Frederick then proceeds to warm the long, gray days with his words, transporting the mice to more beautiful settings through his poetry. "But Frederick, you're a poet!" they all exclaim.

And here is what surprised me the most. In the English version, Frederick blushes, takes a bow, and says shyly, "I know it." However, the Italian version conveys a vastly different meaning:

Non voglio applausi, non merito alloro. Ognuno, in fondo, fa il proprio lavoro [I don't want applause, I don't deserve laurels. Everyone, after all, does their own job.]

In reflecting on the different translations, it's interesting to note how the English version (and in many other languages, I found out later) comes across as more pretentious, with Frederick only accepting the praise for his artistic talents. Conversely, the Italian translation presents a more humble perspective, highlighting the notion that everyone has their unique role in society, and art is just one of many essential contributions. I like that.

Our society tends to elevate artists to the status of geniuses, emphasizing individual accomplishment and pretending they are islands without influences. I’m partial to a more collectivist approach to art, appreciating each individual's part in creating a rich and diverse community. But for that, we need to feel empowered.

And so, on this first day of 2025, is my wish to you that you take more creative risks and seek beauty, learn to appreciate it, share it and question little of it. That’s certainly my aim.

Carlos