An Artist’s Duty - Nina Simone

"We will shape and mold this country or it will not be shaped and molded at all any more."

Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, civil rights activist, and a revolutionary artist. I love her work. Rest in peace, dear Nina. 

Transcript: 

An artist's duty as far as I'm concerned is to reflect the times. 

I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. 

As far as I'm concerned it's their choice. 

But I choose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. 

That to me is my duty. 

And at this crucial time in our lives when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don't think you can help but be involved. 

Young people, black and white, know this. 

We will shape and mold this country or it will not be shaped and molded at all any more. 

So I don't think you have a choice.

How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?

About EMLab’s Artist Works

Artist Works is an EMLab brand that explores the labor, concepts, and inspiration behind the artists illuminating and shaping our world. 

EMLab is produced by Evan Matthew Papp and we are a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Support media, authors, artists, historians, and journalists, and laborers who are fighting for a brighter day for everyone, everywhere. Union solidarity forever.

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