For the last couple of weeks, people have asked me if I know what’s happening with Canadian Art Magazine returning. I do not, but the prevalence of this question makes me think the magazine is coming back in some form. If you know what’s going on, let me know.
A beautiful cover by Na Kim. Will I buy this book? Absolutely. Will I read it? 50/50 chance. While I’m thrilled that Shelia Heti has been able to pursue experimental forms of fiction, they’ve fallen a bit flat for me. I know it’s bad, but I just want How Should a Person Be 2.
The cat’s out of the bag: KBH and I are engaged—it even says so in ArtNet.
Everyone is rightfully dunking on this Twitter post about Good Art vs. Bad Art, which boils down to: “Is it beautiful and makes me feel good?” or “Does it make me feel uncomfortable and push boundaries?” Good art can and is both. Sometimes at the same time. This intense desire for the “beautiful art of the past” feels red-pilled.
Tag yourself, I’m anti-rhythm. If you’re interested in actually good takes on beauty in art, try On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry or Only a Promise of Happiness: The Place of Beauty in a World of Art by Alexander Nehamas. Side note: Princeton University Press publishes some of the best art writing.
Dr. Ken Montague’s opening a Wedge Collection show at MOCA on September 7th in Toronto. I’m looking forward to it, I loved the show of his collection of photographs at the U of T art gallery last year. He mentions that the exhibition will include his collection of vinyl records and books alongside art. This is interesting because it hints at the inherent nature of collecting—from rocks or stamps as a child to books and vinyl to art. For those that like to collect, they collect a lot.
Talk soon!
Tatum