Should Art meet us Halfway?

Many of us as audiences often feel that classical or intellectually complex art forms—whether performing or non-performing—are distant, intimidating, or simply “not meant for us.” They seem reserved for the elite, for those who have had the privilege of education, exposure, and cultural literacy. But then comes the larger and more honest question: who are these “normal” people that we think art does not belong to? A layperson is simply someone who hasn’t taken the time—or hasn’t had the opportunity—to understand a particular art form. And that is not a flaw; it is merely a matter of interest and education. Yet, if such individuals choose to observe, learn, and cultivate the skill of being an audience, a different world unfolds. They begin to engage with a wider emotional spectrum and a deeper spiritual resonance that these art forms quietly offer. It ultimately becomes a personal choice—whether to consume the easy, addictive junk of shallow entertainment or to nourish oneself with something richer, more meaningful, and transformative.

From the artist’s side, the story is equally nuanced. Artists are often introverted souls, deeply immersed in their inner worlds. They may dislike explaining their art, believing that the audience should automatically grasp the layers, metaphors, and emotional codes embedded in a complex prasang from the Mahabharata or Ramayana. But expecting every viewer to understand subtleties without guidance is unrealistic and, at times, unfair. This is not a call to dilute their mastery or lower the intellectual rigour of their craft. Rather, it is an invitation to fine-tune their expression—clarifying transitions, strengthening narrative cues, and making the emotional spine of the performance more transparent. When artists shape their work with this awareness, they meet their audience halfway, creating a space where depth and accessibility can coexist without compromise.

In the end, any art form is like a relationship with a high-value partner: it demands effort, patience, and growth from both sides. When audiences choose to learn and artists choose to open a door, the relationship becomes fuller, richer, and deeply fulfilling for everyone involved.

- Rucha Urdhwareshe Gharpure