Carl Abrahamsson: New York, New York!

Why is New York such an inspiring place for creative individuals? One could argue that there's a traditionally will driven atmosphere around, based on entrepreneurship and esteem of achievement. Also, that success is not looked down upon. Sure, these could be seen as American traits in general. But there's definitely something else buzzing in New York that makes the place very special compared to other grand hubs, and to America in general.

I believe one contributing factor is the concept of conducive anonymity. Meaning that people in New York are genuinely interested in what you do but only to the extent that it won't disturb their own creative goings on. In New York, time is tight and no one wants to waste it on overindulgence in other people's monomania. Genuine kudos for others, yes, but not to an extent that will hamper your own schedule. When a mutual display has been taken care of, inspirational or not, it's back to one's own business. This generates an intense and real-political attitude in which there's always a high priority on the work itself. In an overflowing, tempting and crowded environment as big as New York, you not only can but perhaps also must retract to conducive anonymity to be able to get anything done.

Another important factor is of course stratification. The general atmosphere is not one of equality, likemindedness and harmony. On the contrary, there is brutal competition going on all the time, between businesses and individuals alike. This not only creates an edgy presence of inventive thinking but also actually a great sense of genuine service. People care because they take care – of business.

On a recent trip to this delightful megapolis to continue shooting the An Art Apart-film together with Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, and launch my novel Mother, Have A Safe Trip, I was again struck by New York's ability to enhance and further the process of creativity. It really is as if the city is an entity in itself, whose well being is dependent on a constant influx, a constant flow of nutritional ideas and projects. Very likely, this has to do with its traditional position as a gateway into the USA for people from many different cultures and energies. A hot stew indeed of transition and transformation: important processes in any creative life, whether individual or collective. The best analogy would again be food, I think. A repetitive and too homogeneous cuisine depletes nutrition, energy and life force. Simple as that. The remedy? Quaquaversal flux soup and a bite of the Big Apple. It always works.

Many thanks to Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, the people at Catland and many private (conducively anonymous) individuals who made this trip so satisfying and remarkable!