Unmasking the New Media Avant Garde

Unmasking the New Media Avant Garde

Bob & Ben explore intersections of art, music, and media, emphasizing authenticity and the transformative power of artistic expression. They also touch upon the ethical implications of social experiments, all while exploring the evolving cultural landscape shaped by media.

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 Avant-Garde
The concept and appreciation of Avant-Garde are explored, referencing renowned works and addressing perceived discrepancies in its recognition. The debate centers on its true essence and what qualifies as Avant-Garde. Use of technology in art, with mentions of innovative artists like Zappa.

4:25 – Authentic Communication and Challenging Norms
The need for genuine communication and challenging traditional cultural norms. The transformative potential of Zappa’s work as Avant-Garde is highlighted.

6:44 – Modern Art and Media Influence
The modern presentation style of art collections like the Wallace collection. The influence of media and advertising in shaping art movements, referencing Damien Hirst.

8:01 – Personal Relationship with Art
Personal art consumption experiences. Influential figures like Zappa and McLuhan, discussing their impact on art and culture.

10:46 – Art Presentation and Consumption
The evolution of art presentation and consumption is explored, from traditional white-wall exhibitions to immersive experiences. The role of influential figures in promoting art movements.

13:52 – Challenging Art Norms
Traditional art norms are discussed, emphasizing the need for diverse understanding. The juxtaposition of modern art at the Wallace collection against classical pieces is explored.

16:15 – Relevance of Traditional Mediums
The weight of traditional art mediums in the present context, emphasizing the need for innovation beyond established norms.

17:38 – Evolving Art Engagement and Urban Exploration
Experiences with the Queen Street Art scene and the Situationist concept of urban exploration are discussed, emphasizing the need to perceive the city historically.

19:44 – Power of Music: Dumitrescu and Audio Medium
The unique compositions of Iancu Dumitrescu and the transformative potential of the audio medium. The ambiguity of sound perception and the strength of art’s transformative nature.

24:03 – Embracing Media, Avant-garde, and Artistic Discovery
The evolution of the avant-garde artist and the importance of embracing new media are explored. The importance of serendipity in art and the balance between innovation and tradition.

36:01 – Dumitrescu’s Musical Energy and Societal Impact
The raw energy of Dumitrescu’s compositions is explored, with discussions on the potential of such music to inspire societal movements and even demonstrations or riots.

37:05 – Pragmatic Challenges in Artistry
The practical challenges faced by artists, like Iancu Dumitrescu, in navigating their passion and the commercial aspects of the classical music scene.

38:07 – Collective Power of Music
The unifying potential of music is highlighted, discussing how resonating music can foster unity among listeners, challenging societal norms and breaking barriers.

39:44 – Music Critics, Authenticity, and Media Influence
The role and challenges of music critics are discussed, touching on the transformation of music journalism and the influence of media on art.

40:35 – Rock Criticism and Media Evolution
The influences and challenges faced by early rock critics are explored, alongside the evolution of music journalism and the role of underground press in shaping musical narratives.

42:05 – Duality and Impact of Rock Criticism
The merits and limitations of rock criticism are discussed, emphasizing the unique position rock critics held in bridging personal integrity and the commercial music industry.

43:06 – Influence of Rock Critics in Modern Media
The significant role rock critics played in understanding and dissecting media culture is further discussed, emphasizing the power of rock criticism in shaping music and societal narratives.

45:26 – Modern Media, Authenticity, and Art Evolution
A critique of the modern media landscape is presented, contrasting the abstract nature of money with the concrete reality of music. The conversation leans towards valuing genuine artistic expression over commercial interests.

47:08 – Experimental Approaches in Policy and Ethics in Experiments
The speakers suggest alternating societal policies as experiments and discuss the ethical challenges of human experiments, referencing historical examples like Frederick II’s language experiment.

49:08 – Music, Authenticity, and Society
The importance of authenticity in music and art is reiterated, with discussions on the need for genuine connections and sincere artistic expression in the modern world.

53:05 – Final Thoughts

Recorded October 21, 2009