When we aren't seeing new work and writing about it, we're probably reading. Here’s a selection of some articles that we’ve read in the past couple of weeks and found particularly engaging. Some are recent, while others are older and touch on ideas or issues that we’ve been thinking about as we write and commission new pieces. As always, if you have thoughts or comments, tweet us @bigredandshiny!
–The BR&S Editorial Team
___________________________________________________________________________________
Lynnette Miranda, "Going Global: EXP and I'm Making a Boy Band," Pelican Bomb, May 17, 2016.
K-pop + contemporary art = EXP = Idol? Boy band appropriation without irony? A sincere NY K-pop band without a single Korean member? This essay is a nice introduction to K-pop and the project “I’m Making a Boy Band.” The article notably points to the split between the reception of EXP–an entertaining and uneasy project–from a critical art perspective, which applauds it for its complicating of cultural representation and identity, and its popular-unpopular and intolerant reception by K-pop fans. –Lisa Crossman
Carey Dunne, "'Art is a Demanding Mistress': Carrie Mae Weems Delivers a Poetic Commencement Speech," Hyperallergic, May 18, 2016.
This is a "weekend listening" recommendation in which Carrie Mae Weems gives the commencement address to the School of Visual Art's graduating class of 2016. Noting that both as a nation and globally we are on the precipice of a great cultural and ethnic shift, she asks: "As artists, creative thinkers, how will you respond to this shifting sand, this shifting tide? How will you use this moment to begin to craft new modes of thought, being and purpose?" Her speech, which consists more of provocative questions than declarative statements, can be viewed here (her address begins at 1:20:15). –Scout Hutchinson
Scott F. Parker, "Stories of Self: Volume 6," The Believer, April 28, 2016.
There are many great interviews with the writer Maggie Nelson, but not all include a set of illustrations from Nelson's partner, artist Harry Dodge. For extra-long weekend reading, also check out Dodge's essay "The River of the Mother of God: Notes on Indeterminancy, vol.2," available here, which focuses on corporeality, orientation and perspective. –Maia Dolphin Krute
Lilly Lampe, "Radcliffe Bailey," BOMB Magazine, July 16, 2013.
I came across this fabulous conversation between Lilly Lampe and Radcliffe Bailey a few weeks ago while researching a review of Bailey's work at Samsøn. I had read it sometime ago, and it remains a vital resource for insight into Bailey's practice and work. Worth a second, and perhaps third, read! Also, check out my review of Bailey at Samsøn over at Burnaway! --Leah Triplett Harrington
