WHAT DOES THE STREET TEACH ME? CHANGES IN THE PERCEPTIONS OF AN INDIVIDUAL ARTIST DUE TO BUSKING

Year 2016, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 33 - 39, 01.07.2016

Martına Hanáková

Abstract

Art has always been connected with metamorphosis, defined as “a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something” Merriam-Webster, 2016 . It has the ability to change one’s perception of other people, values, space, and much more. One of its purposes is to inspire humans, to encourage, to provide an impulse for reflection or meditation or simply to bring joy. The main focus of this paper is to provide a short demonstration of the changes which occur within each artist who performs in an open space. After some experience with busking, they can confirm that art has that ability to change perceptions, they experienced it in their own cases. It must be mentioned that the art which they perform is rather specific; it is offered to the public out of a stage setting, which indeed may be a harder context in which to perform. It is the best platform for them to improve their skills and to learn how to adapt to a changing audience. However, it holds a deeper resonance. Some of the artists discovered something new about themselves which they had not known before. Some of them broke habits or mindsets when they began busking. This article is mainly based on the testimonies of various artists in the Czech Republic. Among the buskers featured are musicians, living statues and members of the itinerant theater

References

• Radek; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Prague, 2015.
• Lenka; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Brno, 2016.
• Aleš; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Brno, 2015.
• Terka; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Brno, 2015.
• Šimon; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Brno, 2015.
• Zdenek and Jarda; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Prague, 2015.
• Matěj; interviewed by Martina Hanáková. Prague, 2015. “metamorphosis.” Merriam-Webster.com. 2016. http://www.merriam-webster.com (5 July 2016).
• Cohen, D. & Greenwood, B., 1981. Buskers. Devon: David & Charles.
• Maslow, A., 1954. Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper & Row.