POP UP THINK TANK
How do you reconcile need of praise, independence of mind, world's honours and true genius? Artists, critics, philosophers, amateurs have been debating on this subject for centuries without conclusive answer. But two elements seem to be common to all beliefs and definitions: 1. Our internal worlds are rich beyond words but: "Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind." said once F. Scott Fitzgerald, which implies to create in sounds, clay or colours and give it life. 2. This process requires time and efforts as " Genius is patience" says Isaac Newton. Now what about children labelled Genius? Some do benefit from a very high level of analysis intelligence, some wonderful artistic abilities or amazing memory skills; But is this genius? Aelita Andre, this 7 year-old- Melbourne girl, has been labelled post-modern prodigy at age 9 months by her mum; Both her parents are professional painters and they have given complete liberty and full access to material supplies to their toddler. Maybe this would help any child keep the magic of childhood alive and develop technical skill in any artistic field... Now after practising several hours every single day for almost 7 years, is Aelita still a prodigy or has she become a very skilled craftsman (or in this case crafts-girl)? Time seems to be the key to determine the outcomes of any life and success and Aelita may need time to become an artist as she is at the moment still a child painter. Her parents do support her career(!) with complete dedication but what is the impact of a potential financial/ family pressure in the choices made by this very young child? I cannot help but thinking about former young prodigies grown out of their genius, and the distasteful mini-miss competitions .. What is the responsibility of parents? What about critics and art investors? WHAT IS THEIR PRIME INTEREST IN THIS ( success) STORY? the child's emotional balance or their own wealth? Now, in my view, on one hand , any talent needs to be expressed and developed to flourish a life; Creativity is certainly a real and effective solution to solve conflicts and rekindle happiness in personal or professional life. On the other hand, childhood is a magic, unstained and limitless time of possibilities and beauties, Aelita as a matter of fact does say about her work " it's beautiful!". I like that. So developing talents, growing creativity, enlarging horizons, cultivating true childhood, at any age, in any circumstances, deserves a very resonating YES! But alas! In Aelita 's magic world, this comes with a price. SEVERAL TEN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO BE PRECISE. Hmmm. Here is the witches' cauldron. Laure Vincent-Allard Adelaide, Sept 15 2015 To discover Aelita Andre's artwork get to page:
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