Dylan Thomas reads “A Child’s Christmas in Wales”
At YouTube or embedded below:
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Art
Talk in Buenos Aires: Why Art became Ugly
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.
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Newberry reports: postmodern vs. evolutionary art
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,
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Michael Newberry on seven key works in Greek art
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
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The Clouds and “Socrates”
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!
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Movement splits and hatreds — a music example
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.,
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When museums and cathedrals burn
2018 Brazil fire at Rio museum. The museum is owned by the government. That government overspends on “important” things but defers maintenance on less important things. “Sorry, we didn’t have money for a sprinkler system. Not our fault.” 2019 French fire at Paris cathedral. The cathedral is owned by the government. That government overspends on
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“Why Art Became Ugly” — image links updated
I wrote this piece in 2003 — my explanation of how two lines of development of modern art culminated in postmodernism. The 29 images from Munch, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Saville, and others used to illustrate the trendlines now have updated links. The article has also been translated into German, Spanish, Korean, and Portuguese. Related: *
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