Point of Exquisite Suspension: 05/01/2015

24 May 2015

"Abstract Art" before Abstract Art

Entrance to the 19th Century American Art, Sculpture Gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago

Before Picasso, Pollack, Klee and other artists of the Modern/Abstract Art era, artist dealt with abstract concepts by using the human figure. An example is the sculpture "Truth" by Daniel Chester French, the phenomenal 19th Century sculptor who also created the famous seated portrait of Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Truth, Plaster, 1900

The following text is from the info plaque next to a plaster working model of the statue at the Art Institute of Chicago:

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Daniel Chester French, American, 1850-1931 was commissioned to create six allegorical figures, representing Bounty, Courage, Integrity, Prudence, Truth, and Wisdom, for the facade of the Minnesota State Capitol, in Saint Paul. This plaster statue is a working model and is half the size of the marble figure that appears, paired with Integrity, on the building. In this portrayal of Truth, French used symbols drawn from Classical and Renaissance sources. The mirror she holds reflects life without illusions; her partial nudity alludes to the nature of truth.

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If the term "abstract" is taken to refer to such intangible concepts as "Truth", "Beauty", "Wisdom", etc., then I think artists have been making "Abstract Art" long before modern times.

For a glimpse at another wonderful sculpture from this gallery see my album on Flickr.

06 May 2015

Once They Were Called "Schizoid Pop Stars"

Twenty One Pilots lead singer Tyler Joseph

I realize I'm always a bit late on stuff like this. But I've recently discovered music by the band Twenty One Pilots. I happened to catch one of their newer songs, Tear In My Heart, on the radio and then looked it up on You Tube.

What attracted me was the rhythm, sound and lyrics of the band which consists of two dudes --a singer/keyboardist/ukelele-player guy and a drummer.

Wikipedia says they have been classified by some fans as being in a subgenre called "Schizoid pop" due to the mash-up of rap, alternative, ballad and other styles. I guess that's why I like them. I'm crazy about mash-ups.

And I like the intensity of their performances. Both musicians go all out, although lead singer Tyler is the most vocal in interviews. Josh Dun is less animated only when he is not playing the drums. With his sticks, on the skins and cymbals, he's compelling to watch.

And I'd say this is a band to watch. With their sensitive, poetry-based songs, I think they are breaking new ground musically and lyrically.

I talk about the broadcast of their Blurryface Live Concert on 1/1/2016 here.

As I dug around I also found this other song of theirs, Stressed Out: