The comparison with Roger Fry’s post-impressionist exhibitions is really interesting. Sometimes I think that cultural shifts are triggered by a critical mass of events. The post-impressionist exhibitions. Avant garde performances by the Ballets Russes. Charlie Chaplin films. Jazz. Cubism. The publication of In Search of Lost Time, Ulysses, and Mrs Dalloway. Like a boxer knocked to the ground by a devastating succession of blows, eventually the old guard collapses and a new era unfolds.
It's a conundrum of cause and effect, right? Which comes first-- the new zeitgeist or all those art and artists? I love your metaphor of old guard-as-boxer!
The concept of the pivot point/hinge in this story is so intriguing -- and provides a really interesting framework for looking at any life narrative. Also, this post in particular highlights the mystery thread that winds throughout your ongoing story.
Thanks! I agree that turning points are very useful for life writing of all kinds. They mark change and provide an easy sequence, as long as they're not taken too literally, I guess.
Reading this post makes me think about why we do any art, is it for ourselves or for others? We all want an audience, but not everyone gets one that appreciates them all the time. Looking forward to what comes next!
But presumably he kept creating? There are so many ways to think about this turning point and how one can accept the bend in the road. It’s unfortunate that the opinions of others had that much power over his story- but sad truth about the art world is that they can and do.
My father worked for Bob Kulick in the mid 50s. They were lifelong friends.
Yes! I can’t remember who first told me that but I am looking forward to browsing your archives now. Our fathers had so many overlaps!
The comparison with Roger Fry’s post-impressionist exhibitions is really interesting. Sometimes I think that cultural shifts are triggered by a critical mass of events. The post-impressionist exhibitions. Avant garde performances by the Ballets Russes. Charlie Chaplin films. Jazz. Cubism. The publication of In Search of Lost Time, Ulysses, and Mrs Dalloway. Like a boxer knocked to the ground by a devastating succession of blows, eventually the old guard collapses and a new era unfolds.
It's a conundrum of cause and effect, right? Which comes first-- the new zeitgeist or all those art and artists? I love your metaphor of old guard-as-boxer!
The concept of the pivot point/hinge in this story is so intriguing -- and provides a really interesting framework for looking at any life narrative. Also, this post in particular highlights the mystery thread that winds throughout your ongoing story.
Thanks! I agree that turning points are very useful for life writing of all kinds. They mark change and provide an easy sequence, as long as they're not taken too literally, I guess.
Reading this post makes me think about why we do any art, is it for ourselves or for others? We all want an audience, but not everyone gets one that appreciates them all the time. Looking forward to what comes next!
Thanks, Kate! There’s some freedom in making art “for ourselves” as well as some loss. That’s another complication.
But presumably he kept creating? There are so many ways to think about this turning point and how one can accept the bend in the road. It’s unfortunate that the opinions of others had that much power over his story- but sad truth about the art world is that they can and do.
Yes, he did keep making art, and this is only one story line. He never spoke to me about this time of his life so I’m speculating—