“Like three secrets from the world…” -Edgar Oliver
How will this time be remembered? How will we grapple with the loss – the simultaneous chaos and full stop? Will the world a century from now look back with pity, with bemusement, wonder why we couldn’t sit tight and follow a few simple rules to keep our neighbors alive? History casts an objective light on things that, in the moment, might feel somehow righteous. It has a way of smoothing out the wrinkles, showing us quite clearly how things were rather than offering the luxury of interpretation.
Slaven Lunar Kosanovic spoke to us from Zagreb, Croatia just before Christmas 2020. At the time, Lunar felt that the pandemic was still picking up speed and had resigned himself to patiently wait it out. Lunar is a large part of the Croatian graffiti scene, something which he has been able to continue during the pandemic as the artform is done outdoors. That said, much of his work has been done from home throughout this time. He has been working with recycled materials quite a lot, something he is quite devoted to. Lunar enjoys taking objects and material that have already had a life and breathing in new life and new value. Lunar has also spent a great deal of time reading while in lockdown and even published his own book recently. To hear about his work in more detail, listen to the complete interview.
Edgar Oliver has been our guest before. Oliver is a poet and performer, among other things. In October 2019, Oliver staged a one-man show at Axis Theater Company. Titled Victor, the show was about a man Oliver knew when he lived in a rooming house. Victor became homeless and began living in a friend’s van but died of exposure during a cold winter while Oliver was away in Italy visiting his sister. For the performance, Oliver collaborated with musicians who appeared onstage with him. To hear more about this show as well as to listen to Mr. Oliver read some of his own work – and to truly experience this fascinating and unique artist – listen to the complete interview.
Few Words to Keep in your Pocket:
The lens of time wipes away the guesswork of the present, leaving only what was done and what followed after.
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. Slaven Lunar’s recent book is called From Zagreb With Love. Edgar Oliver has written many wonderful books that can be found here.
Deadlines
European Prize for Applied Arts invites craftspeople from across Europe, including non-EU nations, to enter their work for consideration. This is the 40th anniversary of the association and from this year’s entrants, judges have a keen eye out for artistic quality, technical mastery and innovation. There are two cash prizes available to selected artists. For more information, visit the website. Deadline for entries is January 29.
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.