The Life of an Artist in India: Struggles, Recognition, and the 9-to-5 Mentality
Being an artist in India often feels like walking on a tightrope. The road to recognition, success, and respect is paved with struggles, challenges, and constant self-doubt. Despite the country's rich cultural history and tradition of art, the life of an artist remains a difficult and, at times, undervalued pursuit. While there are shining examples of artistic achievement, many artists in India face societal pressures that question the value of their work.
The Struggles of an Artist's Journey
The journey of an artist in India is not an easy one. For many, it starts with a passion for creativity, but this passion quickly becomes overshadowed by the need for survival. Whether it's painting, sculpture, photography, music, or performing arts, the journey involves years of practice, learning, and honing one's craft. However, unlike professions with established career paths, artists often find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
A major hurdle is financial instability. Unlike doctors, engineers, or IT professionals, artists do not have a regular paycheck. The sales of art, whether it's paintings, performances, or installations, are unpredictable. Many artists in India must juggle their creative pursuits with part-time jobs or freelance work in unrelated fields just to survive. They often face long periods of low earnings or no earnings at all.
The Perception of Art and Artists in India
One of the most difficult aspects of being an artist in India is the widespread lack of understanding and appreciation for the value of art. In a society where stability, security, and financial success are prioritized, the life of an artist is often seen as an impractical or uncertain path. People tend to place more value on those who follow conventional career paths, such as doctors, engineers, or government employees, often neglecting the vital role that art plays in culture and society.
This mindset, deeply rooted in India's education system and societal norms, does not encourage or nurture creative pursuits as viable career options. Artists are often questioned about their future, their income, and the "real-world" value of their work. These societal expectations create an environment where artists are left to fight for their space in a world that values traditional professions more than the world of creativity.
Moreover, family expectations play a major role in shaping the aspirations of young people in India. Parents often push their children toward stable career paths that ensure financial security and societal respect. Pursuing a career in the arts is seen as a risky venture, and many artists face pressure to conform to more conventional paths, leading to inner conflict and feelings of inadequacy.
The 9-to-5 Mentality: The Cultural Divide
India's deep-rooted reverence for the "9-to-5" workday is a major obstacle for artists trying to establish their place in society. A steady job is viewed as a symbol of success, while creativity and artistic expression are seen as hobbies or indulgences rather than legitimate careers.
The 9-to-5 mentality values predictability and stability, making it difficult for artists to gain recognition for their unpredictable, often unquantifiable work. While the corporate world measures success through tangible goals like promotions, salary hikes, or bonuses, the success of an artist is more abstract, often defined by personal fulfillment, audience connection, and, at times, critical acclaim. But this is rarely enough to earn respect or financial support in a society that tends to judge careers on numbers and statistics.
Artists are often left to navigate a space where their work is either undervalued or ignored. A painter may spend months or years working on a masterpiece, only to see little recognition or reward. A musician may spend countless hours composing, but without the right platform, their music might never reach an audience.
A Changing Landscape: Hope on the Horizon
While the life of an artist in India is often challenging, things are slowly changing. The rise of social media and digital platforms has opened up new opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect with a global audience. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon allow artists to promote their craft, gain followers, and even earn income. Digital art, music streaming, and online performances have become viable sources of income for artists who once struggled to find recognition.
Moreover, there is a growing interest in the arts among India's younger generations. While the traditional mindset still holds sway in many parts of the country, younger people are beginning to appreciate and support the arts in various forms. Art galleries, independent music venues, and creative spaces are increasingly being established, providing a platform for artists to thrive outside of the mainstream.
Government and private sector initiatives to promote Indian art, both nationally and internationally, are also helping. More galleries, art festivals, and residencies are being established, creating opportunities for artists to showcase their work on a global stage. While these opportunities are still limited compared to conventional career paths, they represent a positive step toward acknowledging the value of art and supporting its creators.
The Resilience of Indian Artists
Despite the challenges, Indian artists continue to exhibit remarkable resilience. They push boundaries, explore new techniques, and create art that reflects the diverse culture, history, and experiences of India. From visual arts to performance, artists are shaping the cultural landscape and challenging societal norms.
The life of an artist in India may not come with the security of a 9-to-5 job or societal recognition, but it offers something much more meaningful—the opportunity to create, inspire, and bring about change. Art has always had the power to transcend boundaries, and in time, the societal mindset that undervalues it will hopefully give way to a more inclusive and appreciative environment for artists in India.
For now, the artist's journey may still be a difficult one, but with perseverance, passion, and the support of a growing community, the life of an artist in India will continue to evolve and thrive.
Abhishek Bhattacharjee