Finding Inspiration for Art in the Betrayal of Privacy

This exhibition review exemplifies the kind of engagement and dialogue I hope that we can cultivate in this seminar around the role of artists in society–but a society that is being shaped (politically, ecologically, socially, culturally, economically) by the algorithm. The author writes:

“Artists have long urged cultural introspection by creating work that forces awareness of our current political and economic landscape. A clip of Nina Simone speaking about art’s power as activism has been floating around the web more vigorously than usual in the last few months. In it, Simone has an air of urgency. “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times,” she says. She continues: “We will shape and mold this country, or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore.” Art has the ability to be a mirror, reflecting back to us the world as it is, even if we’re not ready to see it. Artists like Perry, Falaschetti and Onuoha are trying to awaken us from our complacency, pushing us to look beyond the blinding dazzle of our devices.”

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