Ai WeiWei 2008

Ok, it's a bit of a jump from dropping the urn in 1995 to the Bird's Nest of the 2008 Olympics, but this will eventually fit together...

"We must bid farewell to autocracy. Whatever shape it takes, whatever justification it gives, authoritarian government always ends up trampling on equality, denying justice and stealing happiness and laughter from the people.

We should also leave behind discrimination, because it is narrow-minded and ignorant, denies contact and warmth; and corrodes mankind's belief that we can better ourselves. The only way to avoid misunderstanding, war and bloodshed is to defend freedom of expression and to communicate with sincerity, concern and good intentions.

The "Bird's Nest" National Stadium, which I helped to conceive, is designed to embody the Olympic spirit of "fair competition". It tells people that freedom is possible but needs fairness, courage and strength. Following the same principles, I will stay away from the opening ceremony, because I believe the freedom of choice is the basis of fair competition. It is the right I cherish most."

Why I'll stay away from the opening ceremony of the Olympics     

related

Ai Weiwie drops in

Duncan Bourne - a question of place

Duncan Bourne is "concerned with space and it's representation in two dimensions". He presents his gallery of "Waste and Ruin" along with 6 other artists at the artSpace of the journal TRANSFORMATIONS. The row of thumbnails links to his gallery, and from there to larger images:

where I was a moment ago...

well, the century has turned on us again since the Tillich quote I offered and now I notice a few followers - which is amazing since "art.blogspot.com" has been around for all but a few months of this century. Back in the last century, I actually published art reviews for several shows at a now defunct gallery in Iowa City that became a bakery. From the followers that have gathered I hope to get some images that might be discussed. Will I review them? Not today.

Existentialist Aspects of Modern Art

"Painting will reveal some of the innermost motives of existentialism if we are able to analyze the creations since the turn of the century in the right way."


This very compact statement from Paul Tillich is worth reading. His view of existentialism as revealed in art should provoke further thought today.

Existentialist Aspects of Modern Art

Being and Nothingness, by Jean Paul Sartre

The actual book can be read online, translated into English, at Google Books. In the opening paragraph Sartre states the problem clearly. At the end of the long road, you are forced to find your own solution. Although it is free and online, some important sections are missing and the translation is less than elegant. Who will suggest a better translation?

My Science Teacher Died on The Racquetball Court

Shit, I have to hurry up and dig some holes for my tarragon, which has grown out of its pots and needs to be planted today or else, but this is important. Take a moment to remember a great man, if only for his patience.

Mr. Johnston did indeed fall dead on the racquetball court.
It would have been a great loss regardless of venue: he had his Moment.

He gave up the idea of teaching me science at Square One, but shared my love of Impressionism and especially Debussy's "Images". I remember one day in my starched shirt, off in the corner of his oversized classroom, from behind a labyrinth of glassware, I walked as calmly and quickly as I could right up to him while he taught class:

"We have to get out of here. I'll help you open the windows".

It's true. read more

Send it back to New York

How many great minds continue to waste time, sending their best to "The New Yorker"? Stop. Send it instead to "The National Lampoon". Do you like peacocks? Please, read more