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Alexandru R

Ai Weiwei – Modern Genius

Ai Weiwei is quite possibly one of the best Conceptual Artists of our time and a genius by my standards. His take on ready-mades, his activism and his resilience make him very much worthy of our admiration.

My blog is all about education. If you’d like to learn more about Ai Weiwei and his activism and art, check out this brilliant video from The Art Assignment.

 

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You can be objective with art. Art is only subjective when it reveals something about you.

The idea that you can be objective with art suggests that it is possible to analyze and evaluate art in a way that is unbiased and based on objective criteria. This could include things like technique, composition, historical context, and the intended message or purpose of the art. When approaching art from an objective perspective, the viewer may attempt to set aside their personal feelings or preferences and focus on the art itself.

However, the idea that art is only subjective when it reveals something about you suggests that, in some cases, the viewer’s subjective experience or interpretation of the art may be an important part of the overall meaning or impact of the piece. For example, if a viewer has a personal connection to the themes or symbols present in a work of art, their subjective experience of the art may be more significant to them than any objective criteria. In this way, the viewer’s subjective response to the art can be seen as an important part of the art’s overall significance or value.

It is worth noting that this idea is a generalization and that there are many different ways to approach and interpret art. Some people may prioritize objective criteria when evaluating art, while others may place more emphasis on their personal feelings or connections to the piece. Additionally, the meaning and significance of art can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including the artist’s intention, the historical and cultural context in which the art was created, and the viewer’s own background and experiences.

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Be mindful of the life-long sentences you give out, especially the ones you give out to yourself.

The statement is a reminder that the way we think about ourselves and our circumstances can have a powerful impact on our lives. It is important to be mindful of the language we use when talking to ourselves and others, and to be aware of the long-term effects that our words can have. There is nothing more limiting than the conviction that certain things will always be as they are now. It makes change not just impossible to happen, but impossible to even be conceived.

When I speak of “life-long sentences,” I am referring to the ideas or beliefs that we hold about ourselves or our circumstances that can shape our lives for years or even decades. These sentences can be positive or negative, and can have a profound impact on our sense of self-worth, our motivation, and our ability to achieve our goals.

For example, if we tell ourselves that we are not good enough, that we will never succeed, or that we are not deserving of happiness, these negative self-talk can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading us to miss opportunities, avoid challenges, and give up on our dreams.

On the other hand, if we cultivate a positive and empowering self-talk, we can create a more resilient and fulfilling life. By telling ourselves that we are capable, resilient, and worthy of success, we can find the motivation and strength to overcome obstacles and pursue our dreams.

It is also important to recognise that the sentences we give out to ourselves are not always accurate or fair. We may have internalised negative beliefs from our past experiences, or we may be influenced by societal or cultural expectations that are not in alignment with our values and goals, nor with reality quite frankly.

Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the language we use when talking to ourselves, and to question the validity of our beliefs and our convictions. By challenging our life-long sentences and nurturing our curiosity, we can create a more empowering and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the idea of being mindful of the life-long sentences we give out is a reminder that our words have power, and that the language we use to describe ourselves and our circumstances can shape our lives in profound ways. By cultivating positive self-talk and challenging negative beliefs, we can create a more fulfilling and empowered life.

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The number one cause for all the suffering in the world is trauma. Whether it is war or the way we mistreat each other, trauma is the principal guide, and what a horrid guide it is.

Trauma can be defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, powerless, and fearful. Trauma can be caused by a wide range of events, such as war, violence, abuse, neglect, natural disasters, accidents, and more.

The idea that trauma is the number one cause for all the suffering in the world is based on the recognition that trauma is pervasive and affects all aspects of life. When people experience trauma, it can have a profound and lasting impact on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as well as on their relationships, work, and social functioning.

One of the most significant ways that trauma causes suffering is through the cycle of violence. People who have experienced trauma are more likely to act out in violent or aggressive ways, either because they have been conditioned to respond to threat with violence or because they are trying to protect themselves from further harm. This can lead to a cycle of violence, where one act of violence leads to another, perpetuating a cycle of harm and suffering.

Trauma also affects the way people interact with each other. People who have experienced trauma may have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships, trust issues, low self-esteem, and may isolate themselves from others. This can lead to further isolation and loneliness, perpetuating the cycle of suffering.

Moreover, trauma can impact an individual’s mental health, leading to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can further exacerbate the cycle of suffering.

In summary, the idea that trauma is the number one cause for all the suffering in the world is one worth considering. It acknowledges the far-reaching impact of trauma on individuals, communities, and on society as a whole. It also underscores the urgent need for individuals, organisations, and governments to address trauma as a root cause of suffering, in order to break the cycle of violence and create a more compassionate and just world.

The statement does not intend to invalidate any other causes of suffering in the world, it intends to propose that it is a leading cause of suffering.

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DEBATE: The Scale (The Stuff Of Nightmares, Readymade, 2019)
The Stuff Of Nightmares - The Scale

DEBATE: The Scale (The Stuff Of Nightmares, Readymade, 2019)

Many of us struggle with our weight and the way we perceive it – I sure do. I was trying to imagine a way in which I could express the way that I feel about it and I created this piece entitled “The Scale”. Looking at the piece, I begin to think the way I view my body is wrong. But why then do I do it?

 

I want to reach out to people and see what they feel when they see this:

The Stuff Of Nightmares - The Scale

It’s a scale that no matter what you actually weight is, it will always tell you you’re fat. For as long as I can remember, this is the way I’ve felt, regardless if it was true or not.

So I put it to you. How does the scale make you feel? Is it funny, cruel or is it shocking or thought-provoking?
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“It’s our imagination and the ability to connect that makes art dance and sing, not the art itself – we breathe life into art by seeing a part of ourselves in it””

“It’s our imagination and the ability to connect that makes art dance and sing, not the art itself – we breathe life into art by seeing a part of ourselves in it””

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So complex is the flow of life that peace and war are not just two sides of the same coin, but essential components of universal harmony in equal measure.

Let’s break it down. The statement “so complex is the flow of life” acknowledges the intricate and multifaceted nature of existence. Life is composed of a vast array of interconnected elements that interact in countless ways, resulting in an infinite variety of outcomes. The complexity of life ensures that it cannot be reduced to a simple binary opposition, such as peace and war. Instead, life is a dynamic system that embraces all phases of entropy. In this way, peace and war are not isolated concepts but are interconnected and interdependent aspects of the same underlying reality.

The phrase “essential components of universal harmony” suggests that peace and war are integral parts of the larger cosmic order. This idea is grounded in the concept of yin and yang, a fundamental principle of Chinese philosophy that holds that opposing forces are necessary to maintain balance and harmony in the universe. In this view, peace and war are not mutually exclusive, but rather, complementary aspects of a larger whole. To achieve a state of equilibrium, both peace and war are required, as each plays a unique role in shaping the course of human history.

The phrase “in equal measure” highlights the idea that peace and war are not simply polar opposites, but rather, are inextricably linked and equally important. Peace and war both have the power to shape the world and the course of human events. They are not mere abstract concepts, but rather, concrete realities that have real-world consequences. To achieve lasting peace, it is necessary to understand the complex interplay between these two forces and to work towards a balance that incorporates both. Only then can we hope to achieve true harmony and a more equitable world for all.

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Art Review – Sid Burnard
Art Review - Sid Burnard

Art Review – Sid Burnard

“Not what I’ve done but what the sea has done” is what he states almost as a core belief, although he doesn’t confess to it directly. The artist Sid Burnard perpetuates a tradition that has fascinated humanity for millennia: the collection of driftwood (mainly) and the act of bringing it back to life through sculpture.

In the most philosophical way, the artist here is a vessel for artistic expression, the meaning of life discovering itself in the truest sense of eastern philosophy. Burnard is quite equivocally the son of conceptual art and of deep imagination that comes to life through his beach findings. As I noticed, it is not just finding pieces that fit together, his method is to find remanences of souls lost at sea.

His compassion makes the artist ponder over a set of bird skulls and what the eyes they once hosted have witnessed. Nonetheless, Burnard yet again contemplates not just on nature but life itself, reflecting and pondering itself. Wow-whey, how magnificent God has come on today! Burnard appreciates the core philosophy from the ancient east that proclaims life as being a celebration. He carefully observes other creatures and the life they lead contrasting to the one the artist does. Perhaps that fuels the creatures he creates, perhaps his fascination with birds is just a happy environmental accident – I’m not too sure. One thing is for certain, the artist is present through his sincerity and the devotion to his microcosm as a system within another: the grand universe itself.

I appreciate Burnard for being unlike Duchamp as possible – his work is far beyond ready-made. Although conceptual artists can’t escape the comparison or rather the contrast to the French sculptor, I see in Burnard’s work his authentic self. He sees everything a miracle – as Einstein would have said it. From burnt scraps, he extracts colour with his imagination to a degree that only the masterful can hope to understand. Although he is very strict in his practice, he plays with his findings beautifully.

All in all, a delightful trip to the coast. Merveilleux monsieur Burnard!

For more about the artist and his work, check out his page at Goldmark.com

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Love is the energy you harness inside and distribute outside without any other intent but the simple desire to live in its warmth.

Love is a powerful energy that is present within us all, waiting to be harnessed and shared with the world. The concept is a beautiful way of describing the purest form of love.

When we harness the universal energy of love inside of us, we tap into a wellspring of understanding and compassion that can help us overcome even the greatest of obstacles. Love gives us the strength to persevere and the courage to face our fears. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and to form meaningful relationships that enrich our lives.

Distributing love outside of ourselves is an equally important part of the equation. When we share love with others, we create a ripple effect that can spread far beyond the people we directly interact with. Love has the power to transform the world around us, bringing joy, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. By living in the warmth of love and sharing it freely with others, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious world for everyone to enjoy.

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We don’t seek fortune tellers because we want to know our future. We do it because we want to believe that things have the potential to get better still.

The concept of seeking out fortune tellers or psychics is often associated with the pursuit of clarity, certainty, and a desire to know what the future holds. However, the deeper motivation behind this behaviour is, in my opinion, the need for hope and the belief that things can get better.

Regardless of whether someone believes in the abilities of fortune tellers or not, the act of seeking out their services is often driven by a desire for hope. Humans have an innate desire for a sense of control and understanding of the direction of their lives, and the unknown can be overwhelming and frightening. By engaging with a fortune teller, people seek the comfort of hope, and sometimes faith.

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