"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." — George Bernard Shaw
Introduction
Hello, everybody. I'm thrilled to see such an enthusiastic crowd today. As mentioned, I’m Brandon Leak, and I'm excited to engage with you all. Let's dive into today's discussion about art with heart, an exploration of art that not only entertains but deeply connects.
Before we proceed, let's establish a ground rule for our time together. Though snapping may be encouraged at poetry events, I prefer authentic interactions—real "oohs" and "ahs" and spontaneous laughter. Let’s ensure our exchange today feels genuine and raw.
The Power of Vulnerability in Art
Today, I want to discuss the profound impact of art that centers around authentic connection, starting with my own poem, Puff.
Puff — A Poem of Heartfelt Connection
I've got two facts for you:
- I'm six feet tall.
- Love is the most vulnerable experience one will ever have.
Holding onto love gently ensures that when it leaves, it does so less painfully. In July of 1996, the world was graced with an angel named Danielle Marie Gibson—my sister, Puff. Her eyes shone like stars, her smile expansive as the universe.
At just four, I understood selfless love, finding flight in her joy. But since March 1997, I’ve been grounded by her passing. She returned to the stars, leaving me to craft wings from tears and dreams. Haunting nightmares often create realities where she's alive, and the could-have-beens replay endlessly.
Holding on hurts, and despite earlier advice to grip love loosely, if these scars are my remaining connection to her, I welcome them. This poem debuted on America's Got Talent and is a universal tale of love and loss.
Art with Heart: Beyond Entertainment
The heart of the matter is this: art should be more than entertainment. It serves as a bridge from one soul to another, revealing shared humanity in the depths of creativity.
Activism Meets Art — "Artivism"
Artivism, as coined by Cornel West, illustrates how art can champion marginalized voices. For African Americans, art during tribulation—from slave fields' spirituals to modern hip-hop—connects us to hope. Pieces like Langston Hughes' "I, Too, Am America" or Billie Holiday’s "Strange Fruit" testify to art’s power to reveal stark truths and fight for equality.
In 2020, Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" served as a battle cry, emphasizing art’s role in societal advocacy. As demonstrated, great art isn’t about generating clicks but about channelling activism to foster social change.
Unified by Music
Have you ever attended a concert without knowing your neighbor’s background? What mattered was not the differences but the shared euphoria in the music. Hits like Pharrell's "Happy" or the iconic "We Are the World" transcend divisions, uniting people in harmony. Such moments showcase art’s unique capacity to bring us together.
Personal Reflection
After the loss of my best friend in college, poetry became my refuge, a salvation that kept me afloat. In 2014, an unexpected connection with a stranger named Benita during a performance reveals art’s potential to save lives. She stands as a testament to art that reaches and heals.
The Lifeblood of Existence
Art is as essential as breathing—woven through our phones, music, architecture, and more. Imagine a world where artists, driven by purpose, utilize their talents to elevate society.
A Message of Hope — Final Poem
I’d like to end with a collaborative poem, "Hope." When cued, respond with "hope" as we explore resilience and unity.
When it comes to me and my folk, we lost everything besides hope. Together, our dreams persist, unfettered by the rain that feeds us. Once seeds, now flourishing rainforests—resilient, hopeful, and undeterred.
Embodying hope, let us, as artists, use our craft to inspire and unite.
Thank you for sharing this journey. Let us leave today anchored in the hope that lies ahead, and remember to foster it in the art we create.
YOUTUBE, ARTIVISM, ART WITH HEART, POETRY, HOPE, EMOTIONAL CONNECTION, VULNERABILITY, BRANDON LEAK