“Books don’t need batteries.” -Nadine Gordimer, author of July’s People
How do you unplug? Or, perhaps the question is, do you unplug? We live in a digital age, a time when it is far too easy to exist wholly online and in a virtual realm. It is, I believe, imperative for us to create space to connect in a real way, face to face, free of the distractions of devices and online thought. Yes, of course the age of social media has its uses and perks, but the former time of person-to-person connection should be remembered and cultivated for the benefits we reap from social interaction.
Owen Westberg sat down to talk about his first solo show, Lake, which ran until August 11 at Laurel Gitlen. Some of the paintings in the show are made on aluminum flashing while others in larger sizes are on birch panel and aluminum dibond. The writer Robert Walser has been a strong presence for Westberg, and his influence is woven throughout the work from this show. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Zhang Dali spoke to us through a translator. We discussed his show, Suffocation, which ran through August 19 at Eli Klein Gallery. The title relates to COVID not only as a disease that affects the ability to breathe but it also speaks to politics from many angles, from the politics of being an artist to the politics of race in the US and more. To hear the full converstation, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
How do you connect?
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces in a shareable format are here. The full archive of interviews is here.
Books to Read
What are you reading? Add your titles to our reading list here. Connect with the works of Robert Wasler here.
Manhattan Arts Grant applications for 2024 are now live. In their own words:
“Our grants are often among the first awards an artist or group receives and can help recipients to leverage additional support from other sources. Recommendations for awards are made through a juried selection process comprising artists and arts leaders whose expertise reflects the cultural and creative diversity of Manhattan.”
For more information and to apply, visit the website. Deadline for applications is September 12.
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists, most recently Making it in the Art World.