post-modern aesthetics

Ever since seeing James Kunstler’s TED talk, I’ve been wanting to graphically explore architecture that I consider absurd. I went on missions a few times, but never really caught what I was looking for.

Today, while running an errand at work, I saw this before me. So I took a picture.

At first look at the negative, I wasn’t very excited about it. In fact, I couldn’t bear to look at it. What I couldn’t tell was if my repulsion was because of the imagery, or the photography. I still don’t know. But I know I’m doing something right when an image can illicit such a response.

Posted 11/20/2008 - Comment [2]

 

Dream: Imagining a new spectacle

Just finished reading an amazing book: Dream: Re-imagining Progressive Politics in an Age of Fantasy. Long title, but a short book (181p).

The basic premise is this: Progressives have been selling their ideals purely on reason and rationality, while conservatives have been employing ‘spectacle’ to sell their’s. The conservatives have thus had more appeal. But while the conservative spectacle has been fantasy masquerading as reality, progressives can make ethical spectacles; conscious and transparent, illustrating our political dreams.

This is a very interesting idea, and challenges a lot of the traditional operating procedures that democrats and progressives have fallen into. The author challenges progressives to both study AND imagine. and to step away from the ivory tower alienation that befalls many.

I believe his strongest point is in his push for acknowledgment of spectacle in every day life:

“Spectacle is already part of our lives. The important question is whose ethics does it embody, and whose dream does it express?”

For those not familiar with spectacle, Guy DeBord.

Posted 11/19/2008 - Comment

 

Making some color

Tried out some film a friend gave me. I also decided to try out Walgreens for developing. Negatives came back a bit dirty, but I’m liking the results.

Posted 11/17/2008 - Comment

 

Hipsters, Digital Music

Talking to a friend about Hipsters: not a subculture, but a mainstream phenomenon pulling from existing subcultures. A product of the availability of information and ease of acquisition.

Also, ease of music acquisition equals expanded music palettes. But also contributes to a lower commitment to that music, as less of a personal journey is required in obtaining the music equals a lower emotional bond to it.

Posted 11/16/2008 - Comment

 

Trying out shooting film

I’ve never really messed around with film before. My last camera was a DSLR, but I really hated how cheap the whole process felt. So now I’m armed with an old 35mm and a scanner.

Posted 11/14/2008 - Comment