Art Thoughts:
Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande
This work of art is a masterful take on being honest about our vulnerabilities, faults, and the realization that our choices make our stories. Our stories make our lives. And what we know about each person’s story is limited to what we understand and perceive. In a lot of ways, Ari says so much without saying much at all and in this particular instance, I was enraptured by it.
She drew me in with the words and thoughts that I so often feel and allowed me to truly feel seen and heard for the parts of me that I don’t often act on but feel such guilt for feeling.
It’s a compelling look behind the curtain of one of the most iconic yet complex superstars of our modern era.
The Way (pun intended) she makes me feel like I am at the listening session of a young artist that is pouring their heart own in an album despite being one of the biggest stars is incredibly compelling.
I also have to say that the editing and mixing of this album is on another level with their being an unmistakable story being told throughout with highs, lows, and the middles: something that isn’t often talked about.
Separating the art from the artist has always been a challenge for me and after the past few months, it has been hard for me as a fan to draw that line but through this album, I found something far greater.
An artist with a greater understanding of her position of influence but one who also has every right to tell the world that she owes them nothing.
A lesson I’m trying to learn and lean into.
What a testament to where the artist and consumer responsibility lies and how that middle ground is forged through a realization that more often than not, our mistakes are common and much more understandable when the shoe is on the other foot.
Thank you for this masterpiece, Ari.
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