Arts in the News: Etiquette at Concerts, Anne Frank’s poem, and Creativity
Concert Conduct
In a world where concert etiquette is based more on informal guidelines than written rules, the Wall Street Journal’s John Jurgensen wonders how anyone can really know how to act at concerts. In an increasingly digital music world where concerts represent one of the last vestiges of the industry’s physicality, Jurgensen argues, the combination of pricey tickets, intoxication, and individual expectations means popular concerts have become “an etiquette minefield.” The ubiquity of smart phones often causes headaches not only for concert goers but performers as well–leading some artists like Alicia Keys to use a service called “Yondr” that requires fans to store phones in locked pouches for the duration of shows. Other common complaints at concerts involve patrons who arrive late but push to the front, those who are excessively intoxicated, and those who–either by virtue of standing when others are seated or just by being tall–block views for others. While many understand the proper conduct for a classical music performance, few know the rules for something like an Adele concert or an electronic music festival. Venue manager Pete Falknor explains how higher financial investment can lead to hypersensitive fans: “With concert prices and fees going up, more people have a chip on their shoulder walking into an experience they’re supposed to enjoy.” As debate continues over proper concert conduct, hopefully all patrons can agree to be respectful of one another as well as those performing.
Celebrating Disney’s First Black Animator
A new documentary on Netflix celebrates Floyd Norman, Disney’s first black animator who assisted on classic films like “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Sword in the Stone.” The film, entitled “Floyd Norman: An Animated Life,” follows his work for Disney in 1959 through his contributions to the film industry today. Though Disney insisted Norman retire his post at age 65, he insisted on continuing as a freelancer–which he still does today at the age of 81. Those who love Disney staples like “101 Dalmatians” and “The Jungle Book” have this trailblazing man to thank; this new documentary will rightfully celebrate the life of a pioneering animator who has brought joy to countless adults and children alike.
Famous for the diary she kept while hiding from the Nazis during World War II, Anne Frank also authored a short poem for her childhood friend Christiane van Maarsen. The poem, addressed “Dear Cri-Cri,” recently sold at auction for just under $150,000 to an unknown bidder. The seller, van Maarsen’s sister Jacqueline, reportedly also received a poem from Frank, to which she is too emotionally attached to sell. The poem, authenticated by the Anne Frank Foundation, is one of only a few handwritten items by the brave teen outside the diary she kept. Along with that diary, this poem will surely help to continue Anne Frank’s literary legacy for future generations.
The Importance of Creative Achievement
A new study from researchers at the University of Kent suggests that recognition for one’s creative work can help ease anxiety around mortality. Psychologists Rotem Perach and Arnaud Wisman, who led the study, explain: “Creative achievement serves as an existential anxiety buffer, particularly among people for whom creativity constitutes a central part of their cultural worldview.” An artistic legacy ensures, basically, that a person may ‘live on’ past their death–like Beethoven and Shakespeare. Therefore receiving recognition for creative work, or even striving for creative goals, conveys a significant emotional benefit. Fascinating new research on yet another benefit of artistic pursuits!
Mapping the Creative Brain
A group of European researchers have found a link between the structure of certain regions of the brain and the ability to think creatively. A research team led by David Bendetowicz found that “a brain network centered on the left frontal pole (a region behind the forehead)…appears to support the ability to combine information in new ways.” This ability to make new connections is key to creative thinking. Using an fMRI machine, Bendetowicz and his team tracked brain activity as subjects attempted to make connections between words and come up with new word associations. The researchers recognize their results are only a small step toward understanding the connections between creativity and brain structure; they do not know, for example, whether creative people are born with differently structured brains, or if creative activity can alter brain structure. It will certainly be interesting to see more studies like this unfold and give insight into the biological bases of creativity!
