John was one of the most important defenders of freedom of expression, and here he recounts the history and reflects on what we learned or didn’t learn. “The art world got tripped up and confused, supporting only work we liked, but “like” should be criteria at home for above the couch. Freedom of expression is a more precious commodity than taste. Conservative critics were very clear about their moral imperative as they vilified artists and terrorized institutions. No one won the culture war; we lost it.”
Tag: 10.30.16
Just To Make You Feel Inadequate On Halloween: NASA’s High-Tech Pumpkin Art
“You can holler with delight here on Earth, especially if you were at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory last Thursday for its annual pumpkin carving contest. Although calling it a ‘carving competition’ seems off: It’s more like a science fair on steroids.”
Top AJBlog Posts From The Weekend 10.30.16
Yes, but Can You Dance to It? Lautari and 21st century Mazurka This is my first entry in ArtsJournal, and in presenting Lautari’s performance at Subrosa, I hope to demonstrate something about world music, past, present and possible future. Lautari is a singularly appropriate example. The …read more
‘Tis Autumn: Zoot Sims Autumn 2016 in the inland Pacific Northwest is one rainstorm after another amid the glory of leaves turning color and painting the landscape. Here we see maple leaves outside Rifftides world headquarters. Among songs that … read more
The Met Cancels An Opera Mid-Performance After A Patron Scatters Powdery Substance Into The Pit
“The man told other patrons he was there specifically to sprinkle the ashes during the performance, the police said. Mr. Miller said the act may have been a violation of the city’s health code but that there was no criminal intent.”
A Truly Living Art Form: Chicken Artist Breeds Poultry For Gallery Shows
For his Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen has spent two decades crossing heritage breeds from different nations to create handsome, healthy, and (yes) cosmopolitan birds, which he shows in art galleries. For an upcoming show in Detroit, he’s taking things to the next level – the Planetary Community Chicken.