“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” -Henry James
During difficult times, kindness becomes even more important than it is every day. Everyone struggles, whether they appear to or not. Each person that you see carries some sort of weight that informs the way they engage with the world around them. Be kind and gentle, do not presume to know what others hold within the depths of their heart. Face each encounter with a gentle, open heart. Be patient. Put into the world that which you would like to receive.
Ljiljana Radošević is based in Belgrade, Serbia. She is currently working with colleagues on a project titled Urban Heritage Hub in which they endeavor to preserve archives of graffiti and street art throughout the region. The project is based online which turns out to perfectly suit the present moment as the world turns to virtual outlets while in quarantine from the Coronavirus pandemic. The artists intend to create a virtual museum to allow people to experience street art which is not suited to a physical gallery or museum. For more than 20 years, Radošević has been interviewing graffiti and street artists as a companion to the photographs of their work. In the archives, the interviews and photographs will be paired to expand and explain each artist’s work. The project is a piece of Radošević’s work as an art historian. To hear more about her work and career, listen to the complete interview.
Greg de Cuir Jr also spoke to us from Belgrad, Serbia where he has been living and working for almost 15 years. He is originally from Los Angeles. He reported that there is a lot of reluctance, activity and struggle related to the pandemic in Belgrade while the city and the nation watches anxiously as the virus spreads. It was his studies that initially led de Cuir Jr to Serbia to continue his studies in film history. The art culture there is vastly different to the U.S. in that there is very little art market while there is a ministry of culture as well as embassies and cultural organizations that offer funding to artists. Presently de Cuir Jr is working independently as a curator, writer and translator. The project that is closest to completion is his first online exhibition organized by Media City Film Festival. The exhibition is titled Radical Acts of Care. To hear more about this work and other projects, listen tot he complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in your Pocket:
There is not enough room in a human life for harsh behavior. Practice kindness and watch your world open up before you.
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 here.
Books to Read
What are you reading? Add your titles to our reading list here. is reading a lot of fantasy of late including the works of Ursula K. Le Guin. Greg de Cuir Jr calls himself a “chaotic reader” who jumps from essay to essay and topic to topic. At the moment he’s reading an article in Variety about Raekwon from Wu Tang Clan, a reflection on his career 25 years on.
Deadlines
Photography 4 Humanity seeks the very best in human rights photography. The competition seeks photos that depict the realities of those living in human rights crisis zones as well as the heroes working to deliver solutions. The global prize recipient will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and the top ten photos will be on display at the U.N. Headquarters in New York as well as Fotografiska in New York. For more information, visit the website. Deadline for submissions is August 31.
Weekly Edited Grant and Residency Deadlines – review the list here.
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In these uncertain times, our first responsibility is assuring staff, their families and our entire art community is safe. We hope to turn the page on this devastating virus and return to normalcy soon. In the meantime, we continue sharing educational resources and have developed new Facebook Live events, providing an informal and intimate opportunity to meet artists and engage in topics we all love. Follow the GOLDEN Facebook page to join!
Brainard Carey is an author, artist and educator. He is the director of Praxis Center for Aesthetics. He has written six books for artists; Making it in the Art World, New Markets for Artists, The Art World Demystified, Fund Your Dreams Like a Creative Genius, Sell Online Like a Creative Genius and Succeed with Social Media Like a Creative Genius.