Celabration of Black History-Tempe History Museum
Cities Never Die, They Transform
nyc subway “What the future looks like…” Photo Cybel Martin
Art rejuvenates cities and gives them new vitality. Large cities are where you get to see what the future is like. Cities are the most fun just before they are recognized as being fun, before the big bucks move in trying to buy the culture up. Culture is like an ocean, it goes where it wants and ignores the concept of money.
Cities are transformational experiences
Public transportation, like New York’s Subway is the best way to get around in a city, where your imagination is brought to life, where you can hear your own heart beating in sync with everyone else’s and where you are confronted with everything that is not you. Cities are where you can see the diversity of our young people and imagine the future.
Culture is like an ocean, it goes where it wants and ignores the concept of money.
A strong artist community can bring a city back to life.
Detroit is one of those cities that is poised for a creative comeback. Everything is in place. Those that left could not take with them the city’s creative possibilities. Those that stayed have to be hungry about making a positive difference otherwise they too must leave and make space for the dreamers.
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Whiplash, a Gem of a Movie
Whiplash was not a movie that was on my radar. Never saw an ad, a promo or trailer for it before seeing it. And there is a lot to be said for seeing or experiencing a movie without any preconceived notion. It was a splendid accident.
What Makes Whiplash a Gem!
Here is my spoiler alert, which is a list of what I believe every good movie should look to accomplish.
- Excellent Script – no wasted lines
- Actors who look and feel the role- believable and alive
- Story line – you can relate to it.
- Beautiful Cinematography – supports the narrative in an imaginative and beautiful way. Gorgeous.
- Meaningful Music – it is there for the right reasons, it engages the viewer.
- Direction – clean, precise, efficient and purposeful.
A nod to J.K Simmons, a solid professional, who deservedly has a bright spotlight beaming down on him.
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Serial: If you have never been arrested you’ve been blessed!
There are a ton of people, like myself, waiting anxiously every Thursday, when the next episode of This American Life’s spinoff “Serial” becomes available. If you are not one of us, I suggest that this radio series will have you thinking differently about Justice, The Justice System and your personal responsibility. What I’ve learned so far is that for most everyone in this country
- Justice means to do what is expedient.
- Prejudices or racism resides covertly within our brains and is always a factor in the decisions we make.
- Truth, nothing but the truth is a lie. It more like tell me a story that I could believe.
- Lawyers, be they prosecutors or defense attorneys, are not good or bad. There is no Black or White, just a dull Grey.
- Having a little bit of money can prove to be more dangerous than poverty.
- If you are poor and unlucky you will spend some time in jail. The third certainty in life after death and taxes
Serial is not 48 hours etc. It is far superior to anything that is currently on the air (TV or Radio) that I know about. I don’t have any idea how this story will end up and more importantly I am not rooting for one side to win or lose. What is fascinating is that we have so much faith in the notion of Justice when we should be absolutely terrified.
Finally pay attention to this spoiler alert on the Serial home page
Serial is a podcast designed to be listened to in order. If you’re just landing here please go back and start with Episode 1.
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V.S. Gaitonde at the Guggenheim
The paintings of Vasudeo S. Gaitonde are on exhibit at the Guggenheim in New York until February 11, 2015.
V.S. Gaitonde an Indian abstract artist whose work is infused with a kind of gentleness and calmness. I had always thought of abstract art as being not so gentle but rather screaming and rebellious. Trying and succeeding in getting my attention, demanding that I don’t forget. Much of V.S. Gaitonde’s work feels more like a good friend, someone I am always happy to see. Endlessly provocative.
Much is made of V.S.Gaitonde awakening to Buddhism and how that changed both his thinking and work. Transformation I believe is an integral part of any artist’s life and finding ways to evolve goes hand and hand with creativity. Attempting to place artist into neat little boxes like “Zen Abstract” does a disservice to the artist and the time and work put into his or her’s craft.
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