“I learned that books are never finished, that it is possible for stories to go on writing themselves without an author.”
-Paul Auster, The Red Notebook: True Stories
Stories have a funny way of carrying on long after the author is finished with them. Once they’re out in the world, they take on a life of their own through memory, interpretation, and of those who carry them forward. Characters evolve in the imagination, meanings change with time, and unfinished edges become invitations rather than endings. In this way, some books become something alive, constantly rewritten through the experiences of its readers.
Giulio Noccesi joined us to talk about Fermo per Sempere (Stranded in Time) his recent show at New York Life Gallery. While painting is a format that takes place in space, it is important to Noccesi that his work transcends to achieve another dimension entirely – time. His work is intended to become a place where you can spend a little moment suspended in time. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Stephen Lack, a pioneering figure in New York’s East Village art scene and original Gracie Mansion Gallery artist, exhibits internationally across major collections. Alongside painting, he built a notable film career, collaborating with David Cronenberg and appearing in influential underground and independent films shown at MoMA and the Whitney. He joined us in 2015, hear the full interview.
A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.
What are some books that continue to live on for you?
Outings.
Join me at Luhring Augustine Gallery for Yasumasa Morimoto’s Charles Atlas: Anamneses
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 Deborah is re-reading a favorite of hers, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity, by Catherine Ponder.
Opportunities.
Other Lands Other Sounds 2026 invites visual artists, musicians, and performers to Northern Portugal for a 12-day residential program of collaborative cross-arts creation culminating in a site-specific promenade performance. Visit the website for more details. Deadlines vary and include rolling options.