“All things, my son, transmute
into old age, life diminishes,
everything declines,
the proliferation
of kinds is a mere
illusion, and no one
knows to what end.”
W.G. Sebald, After Nature
Perhaps this quote from Sebald offers little reassurance, instead reminding us that change is relentless, that certainty dissolves, and that much of what we believe to be permanent is only passing through our hands. And yet, reminders like this can be truly motivating. They can be the catalyst for great things as we come to terms with the temporary nature of everything and everyone around us. Of course, creation cannot stop the world from changing, but it can deepen our encounter with it during the time we have.
Peter Acheson joined us to talk about his show at Anton Kern Gallery, which runs until August 14.The work was created over a number of years, though not intended to be a retrospective. Rather, the work was selected to present a variety of materials and the many facets of Acheson’s process in creating his paintings. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Caitlin Keogh spoke with us about her show at Bortolami Gallery, Drawings and Paintings, which runs until August 7. Among the work are floral drawings made during a visit to family in Portland, Oregon where there are public rose gardens. Over the course of her six week visit, she took a chair to the gardens as frequently as she could, focusing on the act of sitting and looking at something right in front of her. To learn more about these works and others in the show, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.
While it’s true that everything may be in motion, the practice of looking closely remains one of the most enduring forms of hope.
Outings.
Join me at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, PA
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More Books to Read.
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis user Ramona Ciucan recommends The Musical Human: A History of Life on Earth, by Michael Spitzer.
Opportunities.
Wassaic Project invites artists to submit work, installations, performances, or printed projects for various upcoming deadlines. Learn more at the website. Deadlines vary.