Author: Matthew Westphal

Top Posts From AJBlogs 01.23.17

Trump’s biggest first threat to the arts: Ending net neutrality
Terrible as it will be for the Trump administration to kill the National Endowments of the Arts and Humanities, gutting net neutrality seems to me an even more damaging attack on the arts, independent and upstart media and America’s commons. … read more
AJBlog: Jazz Beyond Jazz Published 2017-01-23

Never-Ending Battle: Mobilizing (once again) to Save the National Endowments for the Arts & Humanities
With President Trump‘s transition team’s having reportedly recommended elimination of federal funding for the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities (as well as for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting), a petition opposing possible NEA and NEH cuts has appeared on the White House’s website, … read more
AJBlog: CultureGrrl Published 2017-01-23

At A Time Like This, You Want to Talk “Still Life”? Yes.
At times like these, when not only the United States but also the world is a-twitter – no, forget the pun, much more than a-twitter – seriously concerned about the political direction of so many countries, it may seem trivial to spend time on issues of art. Or even looking at art. Not really. … read more
AJBlog: Real Clear Arts Published 2017-01-23

Monday Recommendation: Outset
Dan Meinhardt, Outset (ears&eyes records) … read more
AJBlog: RiffTides Published 2017-01-23

 

Listen To A Pipe Organ Powered By Candles

“In the video, Dutch artist Ronald van der Meijs shows his elaborate musical mechanism. Inspired by the Muller Organ housed at Grote Kerk church next to the gallery [in Haarlem], the series of pipes looks like a massive artillery weapon connected to wooden beam air ducts. The intricate system requires careful maintenance – van der Meijs changes out the candles multiple times a day as they burn.”

A Device To Give Humans A Literal Sixth Sense – A Sense Of Direction

A company called Cyborg Nest has invented a one-inch chip called North Sense, to be permanently attached to the body, that vibrates when facing magnetic north. You don’t turn it off any more than you do your eyes or ears; it provides the same constant data stream they do – which is why the Cyborg Nest folks think it will change cognition and perception.

The ‘Default Mode Network’ – It’s Why Your Mind Won’t Keep Still When It’s Not Occupied With Something Particular

“When given nothing else to do, the brain defaults to thinking about the person it’s embedded in. … [That is,] brain areas related to processing emotions, recalling memory, and thinking about what’s to come become quietly active.” It’s quieting that area that Buddhist meditation practice is all about.

This Play About Roe V. Wade Is Not Opening In The Environment Everyone Involved Had Expected

“Over a year ago, Molly Smith, artistic director of Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage Theater, scheduled a new play, Roe, to open in the nation’s capital in January 2017. The stars, it seemed, would be perfectly aligned. January would mark both the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing abortion, and a historic presidential inauguration. ‘We thought it would be our first woman president,’ Smith said, ‘I expected the play to open in a celebratory feel.'” Well …

A Movie About Three Black Women – Mathematicians, No Less – Is Outselling Ben Affleck And Martin Scorsese

“The success of Hidden Figures comes as debates over racial diversity and gender pay equity dominate Hollywood. And its stars have pointed to the film as proof that movies helmed by black women are not inherent commercial risks.”

The Great Unbundling Marches On (The Internet Is Comin’ For Ya, TV)

We know all too well how the Internet has upended the business models of The music business and especially the print media. Yet television has come out relatively unscathed so far, argues Ben Thompson, because the Internet hadn’t yet taken over all five of the functions TV serves in people’s lives. But it’s about to.

Cocktails, Snacks, And 17th-Century Songs: Musica Poetica Hits The Bars

“We hope to create a more informal atmosphere more akin to a jazz club,” says the London group’s founder, Oliver-John Ruthven. “Imagine an evening at Ronnie Scott’s, but instead of jazz, it is early music which you would be listening to. The fascinating thing is that much of the music we play was actually intended for just this sort of environment.”

Trump Has Sparked Revival Of Protest Culture In American Arts – Especially On Inauguration Day

Howard Sherman: “While there are those in the visual art community who have called for inauguration day, on January 20, to be met with an art strike, asking that institutions be closed in protest, I’m glad to say I’ve not seen the idea gain much traction in the performing arts community. Indeed, in addition to maintaining their performance schedules, some organizations are throwing open their doors, as places of respite and refuge.”