currents

The Nullities...

This semester, one of the most crystalline theories that I have come across is the idea of the "nullities". My students presented it like a 50s sitcom title ---"meet the nullities..." In reading the book the Globalization of Nothing, it becomes so clear that non-places, non-services, non-people and non-things are a real concern in contemporary life. Fortunately, critical discussions reveal some antidotes...like saying "good morning" to strangers or questioning the retail script when Old Navy accuses us of all being "guests."

Leonardo at Close Digital Range

Take a look at Leonardo's Last Supper on this site which uses 16 billion pixels (!)...you can zoom in at such an amazing level of detail!

http://www.haltadefinizione.com/en/cenacolo/look.asp

Teachers at Sea

http://teacheratsea.noaa.gov/

This is a link to apply to a program for hands on science research with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.

Oil Truths

On NPR today: "All the U.S. tanks, planes and ships guzzle 340,000 barrels of oil a day, making the American military the single-largest purchaser and consumer of oil in the world."

in the world...

Seven Propositions about Teaching Art

Asked to present the Städelschule's (Frankfurt) educational philosophy in the 2007 summer issues of Artforum, Mr. Birnbaum presented the following seven propositions:

1. 'Ignorance is a treasure of infinite price' (Paul Valéry). Most of us have a lot to unlearn.

2. Key artists who are also great teachers are rare. Find them, and much else will follow. They don't need to agree on anything and should represent only themselves.

3. Wonderful things can happen between disciplines, but you don't need to tear down the walls. There are doors. (Just leave them unlocked.)

4. Something happens to a thing when it's displayed. An art school is not an exhibition but students should be close to exhibitions.

5. Food can be as important as philosophy, the best teaching may happen during meals. (A good canteen is helpful.)

6. Money is not evil but don't forget: there are much more exciting things than a sold work of art. Is the ideal school a monastery or a bazaar? Yes.

7. There is never just one way to do art. John Baldessari and Thomas Bayrle (my heroes) have shown this in their teaching, and their students around the world keep proving it. (What can be shown cannot be said: 'Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.' Just do it!)

If you find these statements interesting (or mystifying), you need to get Teaching Art -- Kunst Lehren.

Five Boroughs Music Fest

Baritone Jesse Blumberg has curated a series of NYC-centered concert experiences in the five boroughs for the next few months. Using a group of internationally acclaimed performers, he programs salon-like opportunities to hear contemporary music. Tonight in Tribecca, the highlight might have been the encore. Two pieces were performed with lyrics from actual Craig'slist ads, the roommate pitch and the love connection....very funny and of-the-moment. www.5BMF.org

Martin at MoMA

Puryear may prove to be a very exciting exhibition if one believes in the power of the object, uncluttered form. (Nov 4 - January 14)  MoMA claims, as a post-minimalist,  he explores "identity, culture and history."  I wonder...why does it have to be that complicated?