Welcome back to The Art Idiot!
Something about late August, as Summer dwindles, has more of a “Spring cleaning” feeling to it than actual Spring cleaning time. Perhaps it’s the Virgo energy, the nostalgic feeling of returning to school, or the fact that I am quite literally returning to school (again).
It is interesting, however, to be an all-powerful professor, rather than a sheep student. Of course, I’m joking, but, of course, there is truth in every joke. As I began to plot and plan for the semester ahead, I realized and reflected on how intentional the creation of a curriculum can be for educators. Similar to my approach to The Art Idiot, I remained mindful of accessibility while also carefully selecting works of those who are underrepresented. Regardless of the approach I take, there is always a bit of bias behind the works I share and the manner in which I speak about them; this fact spiralized into the realization that what we do and how we speak about things have more of an impact than we are led to believe. Despite these excitingly daunting thoughts, thus far, I have appreciated the privilege to begin my teaching career at a university that upholds the success of students as opposed to the research and writing of its faculty.
Unfortunately for my students, I am unable to grace them with my presence in person, which also means we are unable to conduct silly, yet engaging, hands-on activities. I strongly believe that more people need to reconsider their status as a student (and artist) in life, so I prompt you to scroll through The Art Assignment, a website/book/video compilation created by Sarah Urist Green. This is one of the sources suggested to me when initially creating The Art Idiot as the mission and initiatives are similar.
There is so much to learn; choose to be a student in any and every setting.
Featured Films…
Fall is on the horizon and the longing for love and “cuffing season” are upon us. This issue’s featured films are focused on feeling like a hug (but maybe one of those hugs that makes you tear up a little).
When Harry Met Sally - 5/5 stars
The 80s created a blueprint for romcoms that is simply unmatched. However, during the final year of the decade, the most romcom of romcoms was created when Rob Reiner blessed us with When Harry Met Sally. The original enemies to friends to lovers trope and the comfort movie I may log in my Letterboxd diary at least 100 more times in my lifetime: I do not know a single person that hasn’t enjoyed this classic. Available on HBOMax and Netflix.
Love Jones - 5/5 stars
I finally coveted a copy of one of the best films of the 90s, which can be said about many movies from the 90s, but anything set in Chicago is going to give it an extra, superior place in my heart.
While Love Jones is currently not accessible on a single streaming service for free, I implore you to spend the extra $3 to rent (or buy from your local resale store) to watch this “hip When Harry Met Sally,” as my copy of the DVD advertises. The soundtrack, cinematography, and performances all melt together so well, and I am continuously impressed that this was a directorial debut.
Lovers Rock - 4.5/5 stars
Released in 2020, this movie made me remember what it was like to touch others in a time where we were all so far apart. To capture intimacy on camera in such a way that it feels tangible is a rare art. Additionally, there is also something notable about stories that take place all within one evening (but more on those in another issue). Lovers Rock is one installment of Steve McQueen’s “Small Axe” series, but I do believe it is the best in the series! Available on Amazon Prime Video.
In the Mood for Love - 4.5/5 stars
If you were a lover of one of my earliest recommendations, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and you recall the emotional, alley-way scene regarding laundry and taxes: here is the inspiration for that moment. Wong Kar-wai has created what some may call a “slow burn” and makes his audience long for the happy ending that they may never get. The pace and aesthetic of this film are other intentional components to further convey this artful story. If you have even the smallest desire to delve into foreign films, In the Mood for Love and other Wong Kar-wai features are available on HBOMax. The above will be showing on 35mm at Music Box Theatre here in Chicago on October 1st and 2nd.
The Worst Person In the World - 4/5 stars
Undoubtedly one of the most popular films of the first half of 2022, The Worst Person in the World, quickly found its place as a relatable, contemporary romantic-coming-of-age story. There is more appeal to the film because it is Norwegian, but there is also heartbreaking comfort in empathizing with the main character, the worst person in the world. Similar to other romantic-dramas, there will be laughs, maybe a tear or two, but the difference here is you’ll finish watching yet feel that you’ve taken something with you. Available on Hulu.
Real Life Recommendations…
A bit late and a dollar short, but I’ve been crafting something new this Summer that I hope you try to make yourself (and add your own pizzazz).
Craft Cold-brew Iced Tea (made with love)
What you’ll need… a reusable pitcher/carafe, loose leaf tea (various kinds), honey, bitters, fruits, the kitchen sink, and cold water.
Lavender Earl Grey
4 to 5 tsp of loose leaf earl grey
Honey
Ginger
3 tsp of lavender buds
Hibiscus bitters (optional)
CK’s Chai
4 tsp of loose leaf chai
1 to 2 tsp of loose leaf turmeric chai (turmeric ginger tea is a good back up)
Honey and brown sugar
A dash of ground spices (cinnamon, clove, ginger, etc)
Lavender syrup (optional)
Place loose ingredients into tea bags or steepers, place into your vessel, steep in cold water overnight, enjoy the next day!
Current Exhibitions…
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago is currently exhibiting artist Nick Cave’s Forothermore. I am eager to be immersed in these works in real life as I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing them online, and the themes of Cave’s work continue to push the boundaries museums once had for the artworks they displayed.
The Museum Hotel Chicago (also known as 21c) is another local spot I visited this Summer. Located right off of the Mag Mile, this gallery/hotel has a two-floor collection of contemporary works, all to see for free. They currently offer free gallery tours Thursday at 5pm, and I must admit I was shocked at the quality and thought that was put into this. Well worth stopping by if you are in the area!
The Art Institute of Chicago is still showing the long awaited Cezanne exhibit. Here is a quick blurb I wrote to myself when I went to see it back in May:
“A video analysis in the exhibit stated “the more time you spend with Cezanne’s work, the more you notice the complexities.” While I disagree with this sentiment, the video continues on to display X-Rays on various Cezanne paintings. Did you know you can take an X-Ray of a painting? This is something I discovered during my course work in conservation sciences, and since then I look at most paintings entirely differently. I mourn the works lost in the layers.
My most wonderful professor at the wretched University of Chicago, Maria Kokkori, is one of the conservation scientists who dedicated a few years of her work to this exhibit and the analysis of the paintings. I am happy to see her work come to fruition; it is enjoyable supporting the work of someone you know personally.
Overall, the exhibit flops. Years were spent acquiring the collection, and the pieces chosen to showcase Cezanne’s portfolio simply aren't that interesting considering how many Cezanne works are already in the AIC’s collection. The exhibition coffee table book does a better job of displaying his complexities and various styles for those that are newer or naïve to his work.”
As I reflect on this critique of mine, I am not saying the exhibit is worth missing, because all art is worth any amount of time, but I simply desire for the Art Institute to retire the old, stale style they approach mass exhibitions with (Monet, Warhol, the numerous other white men).
More movies: Saturday, September 3rd, is National Cinema Day! Go to your local theatre; enjoy the show!