‘Nostalgia is key to reinvention and re-imagination’.
No matter how much we want to or try to deny it, we cannot reject the notion of nostalgia having great affect and effect on how actions, especially those in an artistic field. What we find nostalgic is to admire, regardless of preconceived professional notions. Nostalgia itself is merely an early emotionally connection of adoration, with varying reasons for such. We may look back for inspiration, or simply because it reminded us of a happier time. Even those of a cold and harsh past will have some sort of connection to what they deem a pleasant time. In a sense it is crucial to the human experience, as that nostalgia itself has not been documented in any other creature; it is unique to humanity, and thus must remain and hold its significance to us.
In the creative field the reason for such is that nostalgia, whilst allowing us to look back in admiration, doesn’t inhibit us in terms of perspective, and so we may look back on what ‘worked’ and what didn’t, deeming what was successful and otherwise. Historically, if we can see what for the most part has gained success, then we may see what works with audiences, and then shape our work around that (if success is what you seek – purely from a business standpoint). As stated in my previous argument, if we do not learn from our mistakes, from history, then we are doomed to repeat ourselves, and may not look to the future to learn. Whilst yes, innovation is crucial to development, nostalgia is key to what is to be appreciated what’s now and accepting what is yet to come, for else how may progress come?
If nostalgia, what was before, shaped our imagination and what is now, the surely looking back at it will shape what is to come. Because repetition is naturally boring, we must know what was, especially regarding was is still considered ‘nostalgic’. To innovate we must change, move away from nostalgia and change; adapt to new technologies and modes.
Whilst varying in degree, nostalgia is not a choice, it is something we cannot control. It is merely subsequent of a period of happiness, beyond our control. And though beyond control, it is essential in creating who we are, and therefore critical in what shapes our artistic personas, which each depending on the other. Regardless of choice it plays into almost every aspect of our lives. As shown in Durhham University’s study in ‘Health and Place’, even medical and psychiatric institutions employ and appeal to patients senses of nostalgia in order to beguile them and hasten recovery. Medically, socially, emotionally, nostalgia is highly significant, so why not creatively?
Though both complex and simple, nostalgia should not be overlooked, nor forgotten in any artistic process. It stays with us for a reason, stands to show who we are, and why what we create is important.
Wood VJ, Gesler W, Curtis SE, Spencer IH, Close HJ, Mason J, Reilly JG, 2015, Health & place 33: 2015 May pg 83-9, Department of Geography, Durham University, Durnham
Tannock, Stuart, 1995, ‘Cultural Studies’ Volume 9 Issue 3, Extract ‘Nostalgia Critique’ Pages 453-464
Natale, Simone, 2016, ‘Journal of Communication: There Are No Old Media’. Volume 66, Issue 4, Pages 585–603, Washington.