“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” Source: Vincent Van Gogh, Letter to Theo van Gogh, 16 May 1882. More at my Quotations page.
Van Gogh on dangerous seas Read More »
While in Argentina I gave a lecture on how deeply philosophical 20th-century art was and did some interviews on the Enlightenment, philosophy, postmodernism, and socialism. The interviews are forthcoming. The video of the lecture at ESEADE University is below and at YouTube. Professor Ivan Carrino’s introduction is in Spanish and my talk is in English.
Why Art Became Ugly — Buenos Aires video Read More »
At YouTube or embedded below:
Dylan Thomas reads “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” Read More »
I’m giving a talk next week in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In English, but with Spanish subtitles for the art slides. Hosted at ESEADE University and organized by ARCLA. I understand that admission is free, but an RSVP at Eventbrite is necessary.
Talk in Buenos Aires: Why Art became Ugly Read More »
Artist Michael Newberry and I did a joint session at the Atlas Retreat in Malibu. Our topic was Postmodernism versus Evolutionary Art. In this article, Newberry writes up our themes with accompanying pictures. “The BBC took a poll of 500 people in the art world and the result was that The Fountain, the urinal pictured above,
Newberry reports: postmodern vs. evolutionary art Read More »
Artist Michael Newberry on seven Greek works and their significance for art history. About one-minute each: Geometric Warrior: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R7Xc3rjdcg Hera of Samos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R99mNjjRXzE Kroisos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2SISPsZqws Doryphoros: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqG0vE9UV20 Aphrodite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gThbMBcnSOI Three Goddesses: http://youtu.be/374rE1Jg-A4 Battle of Alexander: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9blM7if1-KY
Michael Newberry on seven key works in Greek art Read More »
The comic genius of Aristophanes, in which “Socrates” the sacrilegious philosopher explains to the not-too-bright Strepsiades where rain and thunder come from. Potty humor ensues. Socrates: That is because these are the only goddesses; all the rest are pure myth. Strepsiades: But by the Earth! is our father, Zeus, the Olympian, not a god? Socrates: Zeus!
The Clouds and “Socrates” Read More »
Most movements consistently exhibit a destructive social psychology. The dynamic is this: a movement’s members begin with a huge amount in common — the same high talent, goals, and passions. But any difference, sometimes minor, sets them against each other ferociously and irreparably. The dynamic crops up in many movements across history — political (e.g.,
Movement splits and hatreds — a music example Read More »