- There are so many writers’ workshops these days it’s difficult not to trip over one. So the question is revived again – can good writing be taught, Hilma Wolitzer wonders? – New York Times
Month: January 2000
KURT VONNEGUT hospitalized —
— for smoke inhalation after a fire in his Manhattan home. – Boston Herald (AP)
TAKING STOCK
Author Carol Shields puts aside her struggles with cancer as she publishes a new collection of stories and finishes her biography of Jane Austen. – National Post (Canada)
WHAT YOU SEE…
Last week director Michael Moore attempted to parody what some feel is a carnival atmosphere around executions. To an execution in Texas, Moore brought along “a marching band, cheerleaders, and a lighted “scorecard” of executions — filming the entire episode during the execution. ‘They kept trying to pump us up by saying, isn’t this great? Aren’t you excited? They tried to portray a party atmosphere where none existed,’ says one demonstrator in attendance.” Moore’s display was said to be so extreme that even death penalty groups were offended. – MSNBC 01/31/00
CULTURE CENTRAL
Chicago has invested millions in a cultural building boom downtown. But the downtown institutions are of a type – and where are the African-American, Latino and other minority cultural institutions? And why aren’t they complaining about being shut out? The answers are confusing and complex. – Chicago Tribune
SAME OLD SAME OLD
Covent Garden’s now-famous technical problems with its renovated building have brought renewed focus on some longstanding issues: Ticket prices are scandalously high for a publicly-funded company. And the work being produced is old and recycled. The sniff of revolt is in the air. – London Sunday Times
MUSICAL EXCAVATION
A new auditorium is being carved out below Carnegie Hall’s historic main hall. – New York Times
WE LOVE BIMBOS
New generation of women artists are the “so-called Bad Girls, the latest cool school in the art world. Defying the rules of sisterhood, they elevate high-school stereotypes – the slut, the bimbo, the messed-up chick – into the realm of art.” – New York Times Magazine
SUMMING UP THE CARNEGIE
The impact of international art surveys like Pittsburgh’s Carnegie International showcasing installation artists has been diluted by the proliferation of such shows and a somewhat static cast of artists. Still, there was much to ponder at this year’s edition. – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
DAYS OF RECKONING
No one disputes Peter Eisenman’s talents as an architect. But “Eisenman has defined his position in theoretical, abstract and academic terms that defy comprehension by a general audience. The audience, in turn, has responded by wondering why it should care.” Six new designs should tip the balance of his reputation. – New York Times