Literature, art, and culture, touching upon topics such as the importance of clarity in literature, the influence of fascist poetics, and the role of artists in society. Explores how notable artists and thinkers like Ezra Pound, Wyndham Lewis, and James Joyce, impacted the cultural landscape that laid the foundation for Frank Zappa’s work.
McLuhan scholar Bob Dobbs in conversation with music writer and marxist Ben Watson, author of Frank Zappa: The Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play.
00:00 – Introduction to Literature and Art
The speakers discuss a book related to Frank Zappa and explore the realms of literature and art.
05:30 – Words as Tools and Social Constructs
The idea of words as tools, contrasting private craftsmanship with public dialogue.
11:00 – Fascist Poetics and its Influence
The impact of fascist poetics on American poetry and the world.
14:30 – Medium as a Reflection of Social Situations
The concept of medium and its role in reflecting concrete social situations.
18:00 – Materialism vs. Abstraction
Materialism, emphasizing the specificity of reality over abstract concepts.
23:30 – Artist’s Role in Society
The role of the artist in challenging societal norms and being objectionable in the cultural field.
29:00 – Commercialization of Art
The commercialization of eccentricity and the challenges artists face in the modern media landscape.
31:00 – Modernism and the Russian Revolution
The influence of modernism and the Russian Revolution on the artist’s ability to shape reality.
36:00 – Wyndham Lewis and His Legacy
Wyndham Lewis, his interactions with other artists, and his impact on the art world.
39:00 – Role of Museums in Preserving Art History
Significance of museums, specifically the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, in preserving and presenting art history.
42:00 – Omission of Vorticism & Bloomsbury Group
A discussion about the Bloomsbury group, their influence on British art and culture, and their relationship with Wyndham Lewis.
48:00 – Figure of Eight in Finnegans Wake
“Figure of eight” structure in James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake” and its significance.
51:00 – McLuhan’s Interpretation of Joyce
Marshall McLuhan’s interpretation of James Joyce’s work and the insights it offers.
54:00 – Evolving Nature of Art and Literature
How art and literature have evolved over time, especially in the context of technological advancements.
55:30 – Superstitious Nature of James Joyce
The discussion delves into James Joyce’s superstitious tendencies, especially towards the end of his life, and the influence of mediums on his work.
58:00 – Relationship Between McLuhan and Lewis
McLuhan’s appreciation of Lewis’s work and the influence of Lewis on McLuhan’s perspectives.
1:00:30 – Art and Its Criticisms
Contemporary art scene from an aesthetic perspective, emphasizing the need for genuine artistry over commercialized trends.
1:03:00 – The Rearview Mirror Syndrome in Art
Artists being influenced by previous art forms, leading to a repetitive cycle in the art world.
1:05:30 – The Importance of “The Art of Being Ruled”
Lewis’s book “The Art of Being Ruled” is highlighted, comparing it to Machiavelli’s “The Prince” as a guide to the 20th century.
1:07:00 – The Evolution of McLuhan’s Perspectives
How Marshall McLuhan’s views evolved over the decades, building upon the foundations laid by artists like Wyndham Lewis.
1:09:00 – Closing Remarks
Recorded April 1, 2009
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