Articles

Article: Art World Price Fixing

Richard Bledsoe Articles, Commentary, Establishment, Quotes, Remodernism

BEN LEWIS: Who Put the “Con” in Contemporary Art?

From a few years, but a good description of some of the dubious practices that fuel the contemporary art market. I do not agree with his observation suggesting regulation is needed (why is more statist intervention the solution for everything?), but more transparency would help.

The money quote:  “The art world is dirty, corrupt and immoral, and, if there was a name for such a crime, these people would be charged with perverting the course of art history.”

The art world makes a good microcosm of the real world. A small group of a new aristocracy of the well connected use their influence to line their pockets, their offerings devoid of any real achievement or quality. This is the era of the fall of the “experts.” They’ve squandered their credibility with the terrible results of their schemes and actions.

Remodernism removes power from the hands of corrupt, self-serving elites, and gives it back to the people.

Article: The Spiritual Imagination of Tolkien

Richard Bledsoe Articles, Commentary, Optimism, Tolkien

How Tolkien’s faith informed his art.

The piece makes a good point regarding the earthiness of Tolkien hobbit protagonists, who love their simple joys. In a story filled with powerful kings, warriors and wizards, the greatest heroes are the small, humble, rustic folk.

The respect Tolkien pays to to the hobbits, the many examples of courage and principles he ascribes to them, shows how art can serve to reinforce positive cultural values without becoming sanctimonious.

History: Did Van Gogh Really Commit Suicide?

Richard Bledsoe Articles, Commentary, History

It did always strike me as a strange way to try to shoot yourself-in the chest, not directly at any vital organs.

Two authors suggest it was a case of manslaughter at best.

It would fit Vincent’s gentle, resigned nature at the time to protect some youngsters who had their whole lives ahead of them.

If true, it definately changes the dynamics of one of the most notorious martyrs to modern art.  Unfortunately the truth can never be known.