Bob and Ben explore how children’s drawings can help us understand modern art. They chat about the power of music, why some art feels complicated, and how society’s rules affect our thoughts and creativity.
Bob Dobbs is a McLuhan Scholar and Zappa researcher.
Ben Watson is the author of Frank Zappa: The Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play.
0:00 – Intro
1:27 – Child Art
The significance of child art in modern art understanding and the beauty in its simplicity, its anti-conformist nature, and exploration of collage art with references to “Finnegans Wake”.
6:05 – Media’s Impact and McLuhan’s Tetrad
The profound impact of media, from radio to the internet, and an interpretation of James Joyce’s work in relation to McLuhan’s tetrad.
9:31 – Modern Art, Gazebo, and Artistic Foundations
Reflections on the word “gazebo” in “Finnegans Wake”, understanding modern art’s underlying order, and the interplay between spoken sound and script.
13:35 – Music, Funk, and Static Nature
The essence of funk music, analyzing Zappa’s work, and the contrast between movement and the static nature of sound.
14:38 – Modern Art Critique and Power Dynamics
A critique of conceptual art, the balance between concept and direct expression, and discussions on power, eclecticism, and the role of technology in society.
17:00 – Music’s Revolutionary Role
The transformative role of music in society, contrasting electronic media with detailed literature like ‘Finnegans Wake’.
21:59 – Classic Literature in Modern Culture
The lasting power of literature, contrasting it with modern media, and the political dynamics of various modernist movements.
29:32 – Writing, Modern Culture, and Money’s Role
Reflection on the values in writing, navigating modern culture, and the unifying yet divisive force of money.
31:44 – Living Unmediated and Addressing Alienation
The concept of true artists living unmediated, the challenge of societal norms, and addressing feelings of alienation.
34:08 – Intellectualism, Class, and True Art
Discussion on the British class system, the suppression by societal norms, and valuing authentic, raw artistic expressions.
39:16 – Influence of Music and Education
The impact of music on individual perspectives, personal experiences during academic years, and the intersection of psyche, sexuality, and music.
53:56 – Conclusion
Concluding thoughts on dynamic discussions, understanding, and the essence of dialogue.
Recorded October 7, 2009
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