The idea of a “plant intelligence”—an intelligence that goes beyond adaptation and reaction and into the realm of active memory and decision-making—has been in the air since at least the early seventies. – The Paris Review
Month: September 2019
An Architect Who Rebuilt A City After An Earthquake With “Half” Houses
Having been given a small budget to construct homes for low-income families, many of whom said they would like to expand their dwellings in the future, Alejandro Aravena hit upon the idea of building half of a larger, nicer home, and leaving the other half for the residents to finish themselves, either with their own hands or with help from local “micro-contractors.” – CityLab
You Have A Chronic Illness. Here’s How To Have A Rich Creative Life
With chronic illness, rigidity in your thinking and behaviour is the greatest barrier to living well with your illness. The only thing you can count on is the fact that you never really know what your day is going to look like, and that things are always changing. – Aeon
Why Has Performance Become Such A Big Part Of Visual Art?
Perhaps it’s precisely the soft science of working with and viewing other people that makes performance a refreshing counterpoint to an art industry that is increasingly commercialized and corporatized. Regardless of athleticism or ability, in dance traditionally made for the stage there’s a satisfaction – and, perhaps, seduction – in viewing the technique-driven, trained body of a performer. – Frieze
Co-Founder Jann Wenner Steps Down From Rock Hall Of Fame
In time, Wenner, who founded the Rock Hall with the record executive Ahmet Ertegun, became more associated with the institution than any other figure — becoming its top negotiator in the industry, as well as the person blamed, fairly or unfairly, for its shortcomings. – The New York Times
Can Artists Still Live In San Francisco?
From 2010 to 2018, approximately 882,000 new jobs were created in the Bay Area, but only around 100,000 new housing units were built throughout the region. The resulting white-hot competition for living space has forced anyone at a structural disadvantage — communities of color, artists, creatives — further toward the margins. – Hyperallergic
Remembering Music Critic Martin Bernheimer
Tim Page: “To those who knew only Mr. Bernheimer’s prose, it came as a surprise to learn that he was a gentle, gracious and tender man to his colleagues. He supported the early careers of many young critics who disagreed entirely with him, simply because he believed in their talents.” – Washington Post
Kara Walker Takes On The British Empire
Sometimes, if you’re a US person and have British friends, the Brits will enjoy talking about how long the US had slavery. An important discussion, no doubt – but guess what? The British aren’t exactly innocent either in the foundation of chattel slavery in the US or in a lot of other horrors of the British Empire. And artist Kara Walker isn’t messing around with her latest work in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. “‘It’s a reversal of the triangle trade, going from America via Africa back to England,’ she said, laughing. ‘Or thinking of it as a different shape — a circle, a cycle.'” – The New York Times
Why Did Librarians Remove Dewey’s Name From One Of Their Most Prestigious Awards?
Dewey is a legend – you know, the Dewey decimal system for ordering library books? – and perhaps was responsible for the entry of women into the profession. Yay, but, he also was censured and removed from office in 1906 – 1906, people – for his handsy ways (we call that harassment or assault now) and the racism and anti-Semitism he exhibited at his private club. His defense? Some of my best friends are Jews. – Slate
A Longtime Political Artist Turns To Business To Drive Social Change
Tom Greyeyes’ art career started in a jail cell after an activist installation he created was considered vandalism by the Flagstaff police. Now the artist, who has had residencies and big gallery shows, and who has been featured on NPR, has pivoted a bit (though art and social justice are still involved): He is starting a graphic design business “that he hopes will help boost the economy on the reservation, provide jobs and give other Native American artists experience — and a steady income — creating logos and websites across the region.” – Arizona Daily Star