The shift to an almost purely commodified art world surely begins with the rise of the art dealer as influential trend-setter and arbiter of taste from the 1870s onwards; it has reached its apotheosis with the dealer-led commodification of contemporary art. Instead of reflecting institutional, social or aesthetic preoccupations, much of contemporary art is primarily a refuge for oligarchs’ money and a prestigious type of investment in a world where the global über-rich have more wealth than they can imagine outlets for. – The Critic
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How Do Electrical Impulses In The Brain Translate Into Feelings?
Understanding consciousness might be the greatest scientific challenge of our time. How can physical stuff, eg electrical impulses, explain mental stuff, eg dreams or the sense of self? Why does a network of neurons in our brain feel like an experience, when a network of computers or a network of people doesn’t feel like anything, as far as we know? – Aeon
Beans in My Closet
Beans and poverty. Beans and diversity. “Here’s a recipe” leads to a doubtful bean cul-de-sac, no matter how much chopped and shredded you throw on top and shove in the oven till the eternal cheese bubbles and browns. Beans, as it happens, are dangerous. Beans will save the planet. – Jeff Weinstein
Labor Stats: Arts Sector Employment Falls 54 Percent In Two Months
Nearly all the jobs in this supersector involve some form of in-person services rendered for gatherings of people — which, of course, became impossible to maintain when social distancing requirements were put in place by local authorities. – FiveThirtyEight
The World Is Changing. So What Is Art In A Time Like This?
“In a world where we are already confronting critical interconnected challenges: climate change, the refugee crisis, food scarcity, system collapse, etc. I think it is essential that we continue asking these questions: what is the role of art at a time of social transformation? Why do we make art, for whom and does it make sense to continue using the same formats and materials? What should art be focusing on and what difference can it make?” – Medium
Philadelphia’s Mayor Proposes To Eliminate City Arts Funding. Here’s Why That’s A Bad Idea
City of Philadelphia political leaders must recognize that arts, culture and the creative economy are a critical part of the City’s economy and quality of life and it is a “must have” function of government to support that sector. – The Art Blog
All On The Line: If This Movie Fails This Summer, It’s Big Trouble For Hollywood
“If ‘Tenet’ doesn’t come out or doesn’t succeed, every other company goes home,” said a marketing executive from a rival studio who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media. “It’s no movies until Christmas.” – Washington Post
Research: Arts Losses Of $6.8 Billion, Fears That Sector Won’t Recover
“In The Long Haul” draws on the painful financial aftermath of the 2008 recession. The report concludes that nonprofits can expect attendance, subscriptions, working capital and corporate giving not to return to pre-pandemic levels. Ever. – Art and Seek
Who’s Behind Glasgow’s Covid-19 Street Art?
It’s not “strictly legal” to be out during lockdown (though it’s not strictly illegal either), so most of the artists will only speak anonymously. “One of those behind some of the most striking paintings is known as The Rebel Bear. … The Bear said he wanted to ‘provoke hope’ of life after lockdown. ‘And also to show the tightrope between fear and love that many of us are walking at the moment,’ he added.” – BBC
Wait, Doesn’t Everyone Reread Their Favorite Books?
Turns out, no. But here are several reasons to reread, including missing your favorite characters: “I miss the them—miss their superegos, their relatable pride, their all-too-human folly. I especially miss the characters that, despite it all, win: they get the guy, they get the gold, they get the keys to the city.” – LitHub