“The past is not just that which happened to you. Sometimes it is that which you just imagined.” -Georgi Gospodinov, Time Shelter
We long for long past and remembered moments, places, eras, feelings, slants of light, whatever it is that we do not have in this present moment that we believe we once did. Around this time of year, many people experience a strong longing for times past. Often, this has to do most with the people who existed in those times who no longer exist in this one. The past holds a strong power over us. Whether good or bad, it is different than now. Nostalgia can become consuming despite our knowledge that the past cannot be reclaimed, but perhaps this is what makes it so highly coveted. Georgi Gospodinov pushes the boundaries of nostalgia and our longing – or even need – for the past in Time Shelter.
Matthew Kirk sat down to talk to us about his group exhibition, The House Edge, on view until January 13 at The 8th Floor. Curated by Caitlin Chaisson, the show represents 16 artists who examine “the economic dimensions of indigenous sovereignty” in their work. To learn more about this show and Kirk’s work, both in the studio and his career as an art handler, listen to the complete interview.
Alva Mooses joined us to discuss her ceramic work, which was exhibited at Jane Hartsook Gallery as part of her residency with Greenwich House Pottery. The series, titled ear to the earth/ culebra, truena examines the cultural and political implications of map making in the context of maps being objects that inform and direct us within an ever-shifting environment. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Outings
Click here to join me at Caelum Gallery, located at 508-526 W. 26th Street
A few words to keep in your pocket
When do you long for? What is it about then that makes it different from now? Would you go back if you could? Tell me about it in the comments.
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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.
More books to read
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re into these days by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis user June K Yokell is reading A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami.
Opportunities
Artists whose work would benefit from significant primary research related to the early modern world are invited to apply for a Folger Institute Artistic Research Fellowship. Applicants can apply for one, two or three months of support with a $4,000 per month stipend. For more information, including a timeline for the research period, visit the website. Deadline for applications is January 15.
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.