It’s been 13 years since a conservative movement succeeded in getting warning labels afixed to recordings thought to be potentially offensive. And what’s happened to labels? “These days, if you mean business in the market, you’d better have a sticker.” The labels have come to signify edgier work and – not surprisingly – that’s the music kids want to listen to. So what, really, is the point of labels? – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 10/29/00
Month: October 2000
CLOSE TO GREATNESS
Whether it’s Jimi Hendrix’s guitar or Leonardo’s snuff box, we’ve always had a fascination for relics. “Russell Martin’s new book, “Beethoven’s Hair,” is a wonderful contemplation of how relics can become bridges between people separated by time, culture and death. “Beethoven’s Hair” also gives us a long, inspiring look at passion in several forms.” – The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) 10/29/00
SOMETHING AMISS AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM?
For centuries the British Museum has been the very symbol of British rectitude and order. But a recent scandal over stone used for a new portico, and a new exhibition about ancient Rome that features film clips from the movie “Gladiator” has critics wonder whether the museum has sold its soul. – The Independent (UK)
THE SHOCKING TURNER PRIZE
What happened to this year’s Turner Prize exhibition? We’re used to controversy, shock, bad art. “This year’s show is tasteful, steady and, in two cases, highly accomplished. There’s nothing willfully bad, flash or obscure here: the services of the Tate’s head of interpretation will not be required. Take your grandmother, take your children – the only shock is that there isn’t a single video.” – The Observer (UK)
NEWLY GLAMOROUS ARCHITECTS
Who says architects have to be dull? The Stirling Prize, awarded for “the architects of the European building which has made the greatest contribution to British architecture” in the past year, has “taken a good look round and decided that the best way to raise its profile, part of its self-conscious rebranding, is to make its rather worthy annual awards glamorous.” – The Telegraph (UK)
BRITAIN AT THE VENICE BIENNALE
“Britain has made a mistake. It has decided that Mark Wallinger should represent us at the next Venice Biennale. The Biennale is the most prestigious art event in the world. Quite how hilarious a mistake it is to send Wallinger is made clear by the catch-up survey of his career so far that has been organised by the Liverpool Tate. Actually, it is one of very few things that are made clear by it.” – The Sunday Times (UK)
CLOSE TO GREATNESS
Whether it’s Jimi Hendrix’s guitar or Leonardo’s snuff box, we’ve always had a fascination for relics. “Russell Martin’s new book, “Beethoven’s Hair,” is a wonderful contemplation of how relics can become bridges between people separated by time, culture and death. “Beethoven’s Hair” also gives us a long, inspiring look at passion in several forms.” – The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
ANTHONY TUDOR’S FALLEN LEGACY
What happened to Anthony Tudor? He “made 57 ballets, four of them thought masterpieces by any lights, and a man whose worldwide influence on ballet is felt even today. So why, when you leaf through so many biographies and books, will you find Tudor given only the most clipped of mentions? For the older record-keepers of the art, Frederick Ashton is the good fairy at the birth of British ballet and Tudor the bad one.” – The Telegraph (London)
THE HIGH COST OF DANCING
Why is ballet so expensive? In the wake of Cleveland San Jose Ballet’s death by red ink, the question needs to be raised. – The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
BOW-MAKERS STRUNG OUT
Violin bow makers are screaming. Since 1800, virtually all violin bows have been made of pernambuco wood from north-east Brazil. “This wood – nothing else, it seems, will do.” But there is a proposed ban on the export and use of the wood. “This ban will kill the business. Not only will people be forbidden to make new pernambuco bows: it will also be illegal to tour with them.” – The Independent (UK)