What Basquiat Taught Me About Content Addiction

Patreon: / creativemindsmembers
(Join for a longer discussion of the Lanier book this week)
This video challenges creatives to review their relationship with technology & social media. Through the lens of Basquiat's experience of being sold and mythologised in toxic and racist ways, I wanted to take a look at what happens to modern artists in conversation with market forces, and how we can look to control and shape that in a positive way.
Here's the link to the Foster Wallace essay -
harpers.org/wp-content/upload...

[@LostAdults]

internet destroys authenticity, i believe building proper infrastructure IRL then taking it online without playing the social media game is key to build a cohesive body of art.

[@iamalexparis]

t's pronounced "say-mo," a moniker for the phrase "same old, same old" which a popular term amongst street artists at the time and signified the mundane-ness of life. Great vid

[@iamhvrcrft]

I am a music producer that releases music 🎵 mostly on my own. I spend countless hours alone trying to get attention on my art while at the same time trying to connect with humans . It is a daunting task and I battle with both trying to be a recluse so I have time to make art and be a part of humanity at the same time. Sometimes I question my life choices and how I’ve chosen to spend my time. Other times I think 🤔 I didn’t even make the choice because there is nothing else I could ever do besides make music 🎵. How can an artists make great art 🖼️ without millions of followers yet find enough inspiration to continue the path even without the validation of success or money. I struggle with this concept often as I am not required to get shows to survive right now. Any tips from other creators is appreciated. ❤

[@Sclafani_art_studio]

You are not alone in your reclusiveness!

[@KuziCookedIt]

Send out as many beats as possible. Make your work free, put genuine connections over fake online ones by getting respect and you might get paid one day.. don’t make your art a money chase

[@greenriz]

someone else feels my agony.bro💀💔

[@dkkeen904]

I’m only like two years in. I pushed off my dreams for rapping for years. Everything has its time. You have to get to a place where your detached from the results. Like you pay attention because if your tryna to construct yourself as a business and brand you have to but yet don’t let the numbers get to you. I feel the same way. But we have to put ourselves in positions to grind out. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall into procrastination or not feeling like you’re doing enough. I’ve feel into this trap twice in two years. I would say just make a schedule and stay on that. If you feel it’s getting back change order small things. Sometimes you have to change other things around the music. And truly try and stay in tune with yourself. Idk if this helps at out

[@iamhvrcrft]

@@dkkeen904 WISEST OF WORDS SPOKE HERE THANK U!

[@karacoldmusic]

After hopping of both IG and TikTok last July amd really only focusing on KZbin I've seen a huge shift in mindset, spiritual and emotional health, and the use of my free time. I'm more present from moment to moment, I've read loads of books, and I've spent more time resting and meditating. I think you hit the nail on the head with part 2 and I really love the connections between the commodification of art and the pigeonhole of our personalities. Kudos as always 🎉

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks Kara - always appreciate seeing you in the comments here, and yeah, super happy this one can connect with your own story there. Thanks for taking the time to drop in and share a piece of your thoughts on this.

[@mauricedues231]

Welcome to the club 🐉🥋🥊🔥⚡️🌙

[@mx.chi2]

This is honestly one for the best videos on art I’ve seen on KZbin You simply summarized how consumerism in art in content has rotted our brains and removed us from what art truly is: subjective. Make what u want, and make it with intention bc there’s an audience for u and that audience can just be yourself

[@offbeatninja]

Might be just me, but i enjoy the process of creating art. Be that beats, graphic design, and paintings. I just enjoy creating it's like sharpening a sword. The more you sharpen it, the better the blade will become. Validation will come. You just gotta sharpen your craft.

[@islanddryad]

Commenting for engagement because more creatives need to see this. You’ve given me a lot to think about, thank you

[@grunyooh]

Incredible video, I appreciate your integrity in your messaging and I hope ideas like this become the new renaissance of the next generation. We are really ready to move on.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Yeah I definitely hear you on this. It's a strange world out there. I certainly am talking to myself in these videos too, and want to make more art in the real, physical world in the coming months. Thanks for taking the time to drop the support and kind words in here. Know that it matters.

[@auntyshakira747]

I hope Basquiat's family gets some of the proceeds from his artwork. He was a genius who did not want to fit in the square box that society wanted to squeeze him into❤

[@youwokeuplate]

"[social media] wants to say, there's an easy definition of you in this place..." that insight at the end of part 2, AWESOME. I am hip to how social media works- with its bells and whistles to keep us hooked on there, but I think in that conversation, many neglect the more simple fact that it's so comfortable, lacks complexity/defines you/other people simply.. translated perfectly to Basquaits experience too. you're awesome. perfect video to start my day, and relevant to some major decisions i'm making now about next steps in my practice. pretty much heading to wherever i'm most intimidated/uncomfortable at this point. 🎉❤👑

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Using whatever gives you the most resistance, as a guide to the direction to head towards - I hear you on this. In terms of some of my own practice, I have this sentence I've been asking myself - Are you trying to avoid the harder thing? It really helps me assess whether i'm taking on projects that are truly the most valuable, or whether I'm moving towards easier paths to validation or something like that. Anyway, I'm really glad this video connected for you, and thanks again for dropping your thoughts, and the kind words - it matters my side.

[@sourgreendolly7685]

Some much needed food for thought. This is one of those things I know I need to think about more but have been struggling to make the conscious choice too. I think that's what it is for me - it's all so automatic and effortless... but it's not like I'm happy this way. Something being effortless doesn't inherently make it positive. Thank you for putting it right in front of me, I needed this prompt.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

So glad this could connect with your own practice in that way. I definitely wrote this one kind of as a letter to myself too - so that need for awareness to make more conscious decisions around content is something I'm in also. Thanks for taking the time to comment and drop a piece of your thoughts.

[@TheDREADlight]

I really appreciate the connection being made here between Jean-Michel Basquiats work and our ever-evolving, content driven media/tech world. Jaron Laniers prophetic manifesto 'The Serdom of Crowds' and/with 'You are not a gadget' is also a very apropo kepper. Just like a can of spraypaint: CONTENT UNDER PRESSURE. RIP SAMO©️ 🙏

[@memezastera]

Spotify ad was very well cut in and out didnt feel super intrusive nice job

[@brentpha]

David Foster Wallace's commencement speech is life-changing, definitely recommend everyone to read/listen to it great video as usual!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Yeah I'd second that. Thanks for dropping in and taking the time to drop the kind words too.

[@baldermash]

The full unedited Wallace interview for German television, where the featured clips are from, is some of the best content on YT. It's more like a discussion between David and the interviewer - but I'm sure you've seen it, just had to mention it if someone reading the comments isn't aware of it yet :D

[@goldensparklingparticles]

Really enjoyed this perspective, beautiful video, definitely subscribed.

[@kamzfromtheeastside]

hey man, I really appreciate the work that goes into these pieces you create, keep up the incredible work. As an artist myself, I'm always picking up gems watching your videos, i hope that you succeed and thrive always, and In the ways that you envision doing so. Stay awesome!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate that massively Kamz - the support in the comments matters out here, and yeah just super glad I can offer stuff I find to help the people following along. Cheers

[@jewelhuxley6649]

Love your channel so much, thanks for everything you do!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate the support and kind words, glad these are resonating with you, and thanks for taking the time to share the comment.

[@tommyrocker33]

Really digging the content you're putting out there man, so important for everyone to hear. I feel fortunate that I grew up before the days of the internet and mobile phones, but that's put me so out of touch. You're bringing the best aspects of real life, and technology, and wrapping it up with a nice philosophical bow on top. I hope you're voice reaches the ears and minds of many folk out there, you're doing a great thing. Thanks for doing what you do. Appreciate ya, take it easy 👍

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Cheers Tommy. I appreciate that support and glad these videos are feeling nicely balanced in that way. I feel like I'm kind of in the last generation of people who grew up without a smart phone, and right now, I feel lucky for that. Thanks for taking the time to comment here, and drop in.

[@tommyrocker33]

@@creativemindsyoutube No problem, have a great weekend

[@donkzk2366]

Insightful! I am deeply relying on algorithm because it suggests videos like yours to feed my mind. Thank you for the work!

[@tombparades]

this is such an important message, forget the success, at its core we need to know that if you're doing it and loving it you're succeeding already

[@suzpeden]

Great video. I particularly enjoyed learning more about Basquait.

[@samelangang]

Truly Beautiful video, Concise but Heavy Information put Together So Clean. This type of Art is Needed Beyond Measures we could ever Dream About. Keep Going, Please & Stay Strong! Sending Luv♾️

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Really glad you enjoyed this one, and know that the kind words and support matter. You right, the info got heavy in this one, happy people came along for the ride. Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

[@nicolasb.henry294]

One of your best videos...and Basquiat is one of my favorite artists. The duality of every artists is how to make money while keeping your artistic integrity.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate that, glad this video is connecting with the artists out here. I'm not going to lie, I didn't know that much about Basquiat before I started this one, but really built a love for his work whilst making it. Thanks for taking the time to drop in and share the love and support - it matters. Pweaace

[@isotopiary]

Excellent video-thank you.

[@tomouwehand]

Man it's amazing how well you're able to express your thoughts and ideas. How long does it take you to write these scripts? Are they all small pieces written down over time that you then bring together? Or do you sit down and get this all out? Because it's super well thought out, and puts into words very accurately how I, and many of my creative friends, feel. The thoughts tend to hang in the back of my mind but with no true conclusion/action to take. So thanks for this. Food for thought that helps us digest! 🙏

[@tyrannographicsco.2883]

One things that is really sad is that a lot of his work being gobbled up into capitalistic media, t shirts, tote bags, etc. That his family sold out to that and let his work go and get warped for something like a paycheck.

[@kevyslatt]

excellent video, thanks bro

[@meichiyuki29]

This is such a great video. Than you!

[@des7638]

great content as usual. thank you!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Glad this one resonated with you somehow Des7638. Thanks for taking the time to drop the support - it matters.

[@mrlyrix2705]

A discord of creative minds would be sick !

[@just_tammy]

l was just thinking the same thing! would love to be in a discord server too

[@creativemindsyoutube]

I would really like to do this down the line. Thanks for the interest for sure.

[@480purgatory]

For some reason I'm beginning to question if my dread of existing is solely attributed to trauma..or could it be THAT and ALSO this stereotype of being, of HUMAN BEING, that's been so heavily perpetuated through media. Like in the act of doing, human being has devolved into a caricature now, that's just how I feel after watching this video. For me expressing said existence through art is just ugh, focused on reception, doing something for something, being worried about getting SOMETHING back, thirsting after that - like I just posted some art yesterday and I'm worried about numbers....FUCKING NUMBERS. Idk if I make any sense, I just feel how I feel.

[@Lostboy_Xo]

really enjoyed this one

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Thanks for taking the time to drop the support Lostboy - glad this one connected.

[@JusticeChrist_]

Great work

[@swerve361]

Great video!

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate that Swerve361, glad it could connect with you.

[@kevnev342]

"we may admire what he does, but we despise what he is.” ― Wilhelm von Humboldt It suggests that our admiration for external accomplishments can be overshadowed by disdain for the person's true nature or values. I suspect very few people cared for the person Basquait was. Only really intersted in the economic value of his work and the "cool" association that brings.

[@treytonhunsaker]

Awesome and thought provoking. I needed to hear this because I deleted my social media a few months back and wondered what the next step in online integration might be career-wise. I'd like to be a conscious content creator, and at the very least, avoid hypocrisy. Basquiat's art is super inspirational for any visual artist... I had a friend who painted like him - it seems to come from a mental state that is both extremely free to express the inner soul, and yet also feels trapped by society. I suppose the same can be said for all artists but some bring that conflict together in a way that can make you feel the heavy reality of that experience just by viewing the work. Thank you for the book recommendations and great video. I'll screenshot those prompts and bear the questions in mind as I develop better day to day lifestyle and business habits.

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate this comment Treyton. Avoiding hypocrisy is a key bit of language I'm hearing here. It's something that can be a struggle my side no doubt - trying to make thumbnails and titles that make sense but will still travel well and all that - it's definitely a balance that I'm constantly having to find this side. Thanks again for engaging with the content, and power to you on your journey.

[@redwavez3436]

Great video

[@Celeste.KNR.]

How dependent. Social media is like a cigarette to me now, its the one thing I guarantee everyday. Even over my dreams, I have so much access to everything I want to do and its damn near impossible to focus. Entertainment endless vs being able to study anything you could dream off. I could go on forever man

[@kuramobay2445]

JMB loved making art and being an artist, but the fame and the money must have led him to self-loathing because he allowed himself to be pimped out by the dealers, critics and gallery owners.

[@bwolff7364]

Very very cool thank you

[@zag288]

amazing video

[@creativemindsyoutube]

Appreciate the support, thanks for taking the time to drop it in.

[@aceydoesmusic]

hi!! have you considered making a discord of some kind for likeminded creators like us to collaborate??

[@ugggh1284]

i was scrolling instead of watching the ads of this video

[@jackhopps]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, and always really enjoy them, they give me little boosts every time. I wanted to see if you’d like to join my journal experiment I’m doing to help me with my goals?

[@miamiller8781]

This morning I asked my bf to go off short form media like tiktok reels and shorts for a month. The removal of the app from it's spot has really defined the persistent of the urge to get that hit

[@Shaun.is.typing]

👑

[@huehefa]

18:00 he’s COOKING.

[@1223AM]

🐟🐠🐡

[@normapadro420]

I did a lot of research on different artists. They all got out of life what they wanted. I never liked their private lives. I do enjoy the art they left behind. Their private lives was nobody's business.

[@1m2a3t4t5]

Damnn I wish DFW was alive for this era holy shit!

[@gourmetghost]

ikr, hope we get one more Pynchon...The Pale King is so great btw

[@mgk_moloko]

❤

[@McSalty087]

And then Jay-Z stole his hairstyle 😂

[@kevyslatt]

see the soup know the soup don't become the

[@alienation5008]

Great video! However SAMO as in SAY MO , for same old shit

[@JovTheJov]

I don’t understand the tone towards graffiti or starting as a graffiti artist, it’s not a lie, he did graffiti and ran around with his friends and he had a tag and he evolved. I don’t understand the whole him being in graffiti was a lie statement ?

[@4evah21]

This who jay-z tryna be like

[@joleaneshmoleane8358]

Heroine is such a great drug for making art. When I was an addict I was prolific! I made my best, most confident art when I was a junkie. I’m clean now and have been for 15 years but I’ll never paint and create like I did when I had that. It’s amazing what that drug does for art.

[@flymikeyj]

Jesus 😮 happy you’re clean now though!

[@BlenderheadX]

Can you explain why?

[@jewishmcloin1933]

@@BlenderheadXexcessive amounts of dopamine in a short period of time maybe?

[@jhndxtr9249]

That’s all in your head bro. Heroine needed YOU not Vice versa. Your best art hasn’t been made yet

[@alesol213]

You just gotta learn how to play in creativity not on h, ya mein.. to art on the street ls super freeing.. and can help break out of normal art.. so dont knock graff .. yall.. be free

[@cjwooper]

Not mentioning the structural roots of the issues made your points lacking. Like Basquiat you have problems with structures but do not want to name them. Capitalism was not mentioned once. It is the reason social media is designed to be addictive and reactionary. It is why those that own most of the wealth do not want marginalized voices in art. One of the Problems with Basquiat is that he wanted to be apart of the capitalist class making his critiques of racism fall flat since he is not going to the root. Also the points on coddling fall really close to fascistic clichés of: "Men are weak now. We need strong violent men". The commericial you sited is an ad that was selling the idea of the "best" possible outcome under capitalism: being a passive consumer. Social media does not succeed at that. Most rely on inflamatory or bigoted content like youtube. 10000s of reactionary accounts that spew a content mill of hate filled garbage. A lot are addicted to those and develop para social groups around attacking marginalized groups. Having people be hateful is better then them being passive for big business. It gives those in power useful people to deflect structural issues of capitalism onto the "other" existing.

[@Moonlight-mz7mu]

Dude what

[@Chillit1]

come brutally criticize my chill beats pls

[@lucasmelor]

I don’t think that “primal” was racism ._. I think it referred to the raw emotions and tribal art inspiration

[@joleaneshmoleane8358]

Could Bassquiat draw? Did he ever practice drawing literal things from observation? Did he know the rules before he broke them or was he just painting like my toddler does? Sincerely asking.

[@kuramobay2445]

Portraiture and figurative drawing started dying out as forms of artistic expression with the advent of photography. Painting became expressionist as European artists leaned towards African sculpture for inspiration. Art also became conceptual as seen in the works of Salvador Dali and Marcel Duchamp. My point is that the mastery of drawing as a qualifying skill for a fine artist pre-dated the invention of photography. Obviously, life and figurative drawing did remain important in the academic setting, but not in the world of dealers and art galleries which is the commercial industry of art. JMB’s paintings and drawings were coded for the appreciation of people who love imagery, social commentary and history. His works are mostly about the history of black people in America whose ancestry is African. Appreciating modern art is a bit like appreciating the Jazz form called Be-bop. To some Miles Davis was just noise while to the cognoscenti he was a musical genius.

[@everynighteverymorn]

Honest question, have you been in an art gallery, sold a painting? I don't think your definition of what drawing is matters very much, much like a toddlers to an adult.

[@anunsashtray8244]

Sincerely, bye 👋 go away

[@TheKaijuComplex]

Look how you demand he fit into the small box of what YOU think an artist is 😂 how pathetic

[@SnoopiesPoopies]

No it’s always been abstract

[@quas3728]

so where is solution? I'm tired of these generic motivational speeches

[@mirandaacevedo6558]

Lol based on your comments seems like you’re just looking for an easy answer There’s is no easy answer, bud

[@Treksonline]

Great video