My name is Carolyn Mara and I am an artist, a word that has defined me for as long as I can remember. Beginning with a daily photo blog with friends, and evolving into posting on Instagram and then TikTok, I have shared various work on all sorts of platforms for over a decade. As much as creativity is in many cases welcomed—generating applause and accolades—it can also often cause a harsh backlash resulting in hurtful and hateful comments and cyber bullying. Which leads me to my most recent experience with the darker side of internet comment sections.
Last month, I posted a video on TikTok of myself painting with a mop, followed by a series of photographs of my commissioned mop paintings in clients’ homes. The response was overwhelming with over 17 million views and 30 thousand comments. But what was more interesting to me was what arose from my post: a debate around “What is art?”. With so many polarizing views, people began vehemently arguing as to whether it was acceptable to label my work as “art”, and whether or not I should be deemed an “artist”.
I have a masters in fine art from The School of Visual Arts, and over the past twenty years I have worked in many mediums from photography to video installations, and most recently, painting. I have always been a strong believer that anything can be art. It has been shocking to see how incredibly angry and vile people can become when they discover that I sell my art and consider myself an artist. Comments like, “I’m sorry but this ain’t art gurl” to “if I saw you I would take a $hit on you to look like one of your paintings.”
Art is about provoking a feeling, a response, whatever that response may be. Everyone is entitled to their opinion about art, but when a person attacks the artist with derogatory remarks a line is crossed. As our fragile planet continues to come together to fight our current challenges, let us all be reminded of the importance of tolerance and respect. Mop painting is art, performance art is art, anything at all can be art. Being your authentic self should be praised, even while acknowledging that artistic styles can vary. While some critics may dislike my art, they and you can do so constructively—without disrespecting it.
More info: tiktok.com
Carolyn Mara's TikTok of her Mop Paintings
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Carolyn Mara uses a mop to create large scale paintings.