Art influences art influences art
Having binged Vol.1 of the final season of Stranger Things with my wife, I have to say I can’t wait for the rest of the episodes to drop!
One thing that struck me was how the show carried echoes of many other works of art:
- ST and Stephen King’s IT both grapple with trauma and its effects on children
- ST’s organic imagery is so reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s Alien, while making it its own
- Dungeons and Dragons undoubtedly play a huge role in shaping the narrative
- Music of the 80s not only provides emotional resonance but is often key to the plot
I could go on but suffice to say I’m reminded of Austin Kleon’s call to “steal like an artist”. Creativity lies in being able to combine your influences in new and unique ways — the richer your diet, the larger your creative vocabulary.
I’m sure Stranger Things will continue to shape other works of art that come after it, because after all, art influences art influences art.