Is Our Art Equal to the Challenges of Our Times? – NYTimes.com

Is Our Art Equal to the Challenges of Our Times? – NYTimes.com.

This is a provocative piece that might be a useful jumping off point for our contemplations in the context of the course. Reading this, the question that lies visible is where has all the great art that gives us context and guides us to action, gone? As much as A.O. Scott seems to point in economic directions, I can’t help but wonder if the answer is that and more. The “and more” being the subject matter of this course – the multiple layers of constraints that act as boiling water to the creative “lobster”. More worrisome than even the slow killing of protest inspired creativity is the possibility that traversing the gauntlet of constraints can so distort intended meanings so to leave themes of protest and change as artifacts among the various loud noises emboldened by creative entrepreneurship?

jon