The Art of Annoyance: Deliberate Disruption in Art & Communication

Bob and Ben discuss how the idea that “annoying” can be a valuable and essential quality in art and communication. The speakers suggest that being genuinely annoying can lead to engagement, challenge conventions, and provoke thought, contrasting this with formulaic or taught ways of being “annoying” in art school

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 – The Essence of Rock and Influence
A dialogue on rock music’s influence, the Aesthetics of Rock by Richard Meltzer, and how external opinions can cloud personal beliefs.

1:10 – Artistic Frustrations and Reflections
Discussion on time constraints in expression, the concept of “output,” and art being a reflection of its environment.

3:37 – Modernist Movements in Art
Differentiating between modernism and postmodernism, exploring McLuhan’s view on art, and the democratic impulse of art influenced by technology.

8:02 – Interpreting McLuhan and 20th Century Art
Elaborating on McLuhan’s work, modernism, and understanding revolutionary art of the era.

9:41 – Art’s Connection to Nature and Technology
The relationship between art, man, nature, and technology. Discussion on how technologies are seen as part of nature.

13:03 – Vorticist Movement and McLuhan’s Review
Exploring Vorticism, its comparison with other art movements, and McLuhan’s review of Burrow’s works.

15:06 – Critiquing the Modern Art Landscape
Exploring Lewis’s position in art, the cultural scene in London, and modern critiques of rock critics.

23:06 – Authenticity and Dialogue in Criticism
The importance of authenticity in criticism and embracing dialectic interactions.

27:01 – Engaging with the Complexity of Finnegans Wake
A deep dive into the various interpretations, appeals, and linguistic plays of “Finnegans Wake.”

35:50 – Capturing the Present in Art
Discussion on being present, the role of technology, and “Finnegans Wake” capturing the essence of all times and spaces.

37:02 – The Impact of Technology on Art
The transformative role of the tape recorder in documenting voices and the parallels between “Finnegans Wake” and modern technology.

48:01 – Annoying Engagement and Phenomenological Insights
The balance between engagement and annoyance in art and a look into phenomenology and perception.

Recorded December 9, 2009