Once upon a time authenticity in the arts only came in to focus long after the artist's death but now, the pace of change has accelerated to an exhilarating speed where fame and fortune can come and go in the flash of an Instagram blitz.
In inverse proportion to actual evidence, invented authenticity has now become an essential and highly sought after quality in a person, product or media event.
Creating an aura of authenticity is usually the role of PR and a very lucrative one it is too.
Good PR can turn a terrible catastrophe into some sort of victory. If the spokesperson can appear authentic in their emotions and choice of words, then it can push over the line towards believability and possible acceptance as real.
Think of the many contrite apologists for bad behaviour. Some seem to work better than others.
The current exchange of unpleasantries over the Waiheke white wash is but one example.
In the world of music, the elders of the blues such as the late BB King have always been considered authentic.
No one can question a life story that covers so much of black history in the US.
Beyond such examples, faux authenticity is a very common commercial currency. In exchange for a brief suspension of belief, we can see someone such as David Bowie become Ziggy Stardust.
We don't regard this as a lie but is it authentic?
It could be argued for both yes and no as it remains clear it was the same very talented person pretending to be someone else.
Pop music is so full of people pretending to be something they are not that it should be called a manufacturing industry. The Lana Del Ray saga is but one more example.
'Hello, hello, hello. There is no authenticity to see here, only commercial interests at work so just move along please and talk about back stories'.
Authenticity requires a back story.
By strange coincidence, every musician/actor/author who is about to release a film, record or new book suddenly discovers a long-lost trauma, family drama, addiction or all three that must be now be revealed.
The narrative is geared to maximise authenticity and provide a sympathetic hook to hang their product on.
When was the last time you heard a story about being happy, well balanced and rejoicing in your talent at the media launch for a new creative endeavour? Martyrdom is a fashionable but very overrated meme right now.
Time for a reminder than many of the saints considered martyrs came to a very nasty end?
■Terry Sarten (aka Tel) is a writer, musician and satirist. Feedback welcomed: tgs@inspire.net.nz
