Reviews are the oddest things. It boggles the mind that “Black Power,” a Hilton Als review of the film Moonlight, and “Agnes Martin, a Matter-of-Fact Mystic” by New Yorker art critic Peter Schjeldahl are approximately the same length, in the same magazine. Moonlight is a sprawling two-hour movie, spanning a child’s journey through adolescence to adulthood, full of color, motion, and noise. The Agnes Martin retrospective exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum, on the other hand, is a subdued and esoteric group of paintings. Besides being examples of very different media, these two subjects serve as a stark juxtaposition of “popular” and “high” culture, as much of a contrast, funnily enough, as black and white.
With the wildly disparate levels of stimulus inherent in these subjects, it’s impressive that these authors fit them both in the same 1500-word review format in the New Yorker. I think their keys to achieving this are adjusting the given context and in doing so developing very different relationships with the audience.
Als leads off with the deeply personal, confiding in us about his “anxious, closeted childhood” and explaining the power this film holds for him as a queer black man. He grew up “in the era of Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and AIDS,” never believing his story could be told on the silver screen until now. His repeated use of the first person enables intimacy and insight into his experience, which lends his discussion of the film extra weight. When he does include the viewer in his insights later on, he still includes himself using first-person plural: “Moonlight undoes our expectations as viewers…” He can focus more on his own reactions because he trusts his audience to be able to watch a film and get their own reading out of it. His job is to put his reading in conversation with yours. He achieves this by qualifying his readings: “Juan follows, entering through a blasted-out window, a symbol, perhaps, of the ruin left by the riots.” Something as simple as a “perhaps” invites the reader to really think about what he’s saying and agree or disagree.
For better or worse, Schjeldahl does not seem to trust his audience quite as much with the high-brow set of paintings by Martin at the Guggenheim. His use of second-person comes off as more prescriptive. After an admirable close-reading of a set of paintings that just look…… white, he follows with, “When you notice this [detail], the fields of paint seem to jiggle loose, and to hover. If you look long enough — the minute or so that Martin deemed sufficient for her works — your sensation-starved optic nerve may produce fugitive impressions of other colors.” Me? I notice this? His expectations would be easier to handle if they weren’t trying to force a religious experience (“secular pilgrimage”) on me. He attempts to teach my “heart” to be “ambushed by rushes of emotion,” but that’s not something you can force.
This lesser confidence in the viewer further manifests in the Martin review as an excess of biography. Citing a new biography of Agnes Martin by Nancy Princenthal, he outlines the artist’s entire life and career, making connections between her mental illness and the controlled, soothing geometric paintings she made. It was interesting to read as an art historian, because the field still debates the legitimacy of using biography to analyze work. This emphasis on biography was in stark contrast to the review by Als, who used more of his own biography than that of the filmmaker Barry Jenkins. The only bit of information deemed relevant to Als is that Jenkins “was raised in Liberty City,” the film’s setting, and therefore he “understands from the inside out.” Because again, the film will be able to speak for itself to its audience.
The more accessible nature of the film also enables Als to be more poetic and suggestive, skating over the rich scenes rather than plodding through an interpretation. One virtuosic description would lend itself wonderfully to spoken-word poetry.
“He’s a dope dealer, so there’s that, too. He may be a boss on the streets — his black do-rag is his crown — but he’s intelligent enough to know that he’s expendable, that real power doesn’t belong to men like him. Crack is spreading through the city like a fever.”
These kinds of poetic responses are enjoyable to read on their own, but again leave enough room for dialogue with the reader or film-viewer to think their own thoughts. Schjeldahl, in contrast, lets the reader be swept up in the narrative of Martin’s life, which is fascinating, but ultimately it doesn’t leave room for a Kantian “free play of imagination” above the facts.
Maybe I have been a little too hard on Peter Schjeldahl. In these pieces, I think of Als as a conversationalist and Schjeldahl as a coach, and I would definitely say there is room for both roles. I actually really appreciated the use of biography in the Martin review, because it does give the reader much more to grab hold of, beyond the white paintings described. Agnes Martin must have been a singular challenge to review. There is so little about her work alone for the popular New Yorker taste to invest in, so it makes sense to coach the reader through the experience of viewing in a way that feels rewarding, even spiritual, although for me it was a little heavy-handed. At the same time, there is something rewarding about being left to your own devices in Als’s piece after being given a prompt (or two including the film). While the authors have very different styles, the overlap occurs in their effective use of context: some media and artistic styles are just going to require more critical interpretation for a popular audience, despite the wise words of Susan Sontag.
The key as a reader is to be able to tell the difference between a genuine experience of pseudo-religious awe and one prescribed by the New Yorker.
4,806 Comments
scan qr code online from image
I am so thankful to you for sharing this useful information. I found this resource so beneficial for me. Thanks a lot for the hard work. แฟชั่น
the website is very good. yalla shoot
I was surfing the Internet for information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. แทงบอลเงินสด
Welcome to TheCountriesOf.com, your passport to the world. Delve into rich narratives, vibrant images, and invaluable travel tips, and let your curiosity fuel your wanderlust as we introduce you to the world’s nations, one click at a time. best high fly pegions
slot server myanmar of course the best online agents and bookies that give you the biggest wins so it’s easy to win playing online slots.
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work boston seo company
Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. prediksi bola parlay
This particular is usually apparently essential and moreover outstanding truth along with for sure fair-minded and moreover admittedly useful My business is looking to find in advance designed for this specific useful stuffs… situs prediksi bola parlay
LIVE at the 스윗포인트 $1000s in Spins at Agua Caliente RM
your article really great thanks for sharing this puntos de control de dui
your article really great thanks for sharing this filing chapter 7 bankruptcy in virginia
sa gaming 168
I was reading some of your content on this website and I conceive this internet site is really informative ! Keep on putting up. แทงบอลสเต็ป
Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks mono77
for those who want to play online slots you have to join and play on the website slotonline88 only here you will get the biggest wins and of course it will help you to increase your wins.
I loved your post! It’s an interesting reading.
https://www.totositeweb.top/
The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me. soap 2 day
Gacor slots are one of the newest online slots that are currently booming in the world, especially in Indonesia. Gacor slots will be slot filipina easy to win offering games
For you, if you want to play online slot games, of course you have to join the site slotonline88 and of course it really helps you increase the coffers of the highest winnings.
r those of you who want to play online slot games, of course you have to join0 raja slot and of course it will help you increase your money to get the biggest jackpot.
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also ทางเข้า ufa369
Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. kotaktogel
with a high payout percentage, a trusted judi agent, Slot88 will now be an American gacor judi website with maximum easy wins. slot gacor Achieve big wins
aaaaaaaaaaaaa
I went to this website, and I believe that you have a plenty of excellent information, I have saved your site to my bookmarks.อาหารประจําชาติ อินเดีย
Cek link alternatif terbaru dari admin situs pasti menang
https://dev-incidentes.dpt.gba.gob.ar/pastigacor/
may have heard of Joker Gaming. This online judi site provider has become popular among players and for good reasons. Joker https://rajaslot777.site/ Gaming
a
Hello, this weekend is good for me, since this time i am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. kotaktoto livechat
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! สมัครบาคาร่า
Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks GlucoTrust
Zahnarzt am Schwanenplatz, the premier Zahnarztpraxis Luzern, offers a wide range of services, from oral hygiene to reconstructive operations. Our experienced team specializes in treating anxious patients and children, ensuring your visit leaves you with a satisfied smile. Discover the highest standards of dental care in Lucerne!
i never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful. health schemes in India
ARJUNA168 merupakan sebuah layanan permainan online yang sangat menghibur Anda kapan saja dan dimana saja.
Anggur88 terbukti menjadi permainan paling disukai oleh berbagai kalangan karena sangat mudah untuk mendapatkan kemenangannya.
Bimaspin terkenal akan kemudahannya dalam mengakses situs dan kelancaran dalam bertransaksi.
RADEN138 dapat memberikan Anda pengalaman yang berbeda dari tempat lainnya karena Raden138 sangat mengutamakan kenyamanan pelanggan.
Susu88 merupakan salah satu situs permainan online yang sudah berdiri sejak 2015 lalu.
سيرفر بيع متابعين
The idea of a server for selling followers on social networking sites has spread recently to increase the number of followers and increase the number of likes and interactions.
Cash Etiquette for 원샷홀덤 Craps Dealer Students. Short Version of Cash, Color, change class.
Lavagame lava สล็อต เว็บตรงรวมค่าย lava สล็อต
เว็บสล็อตแตกง่ายใหม่ล่าสุด 2023 เดิมพันไม่มีขั้นต่ำ Lavagame
สล็อตเว็บตรงไม่ผ่านเอเย่นต์ เว็บพนันที่มาแรงที่สุดแห่งปี 2023 นักปั่นทุกคนยืนยันเป็นเสียงเดียวกัน เข้ามาเล่น สล็อต36 ได้อย่างมั่นใจ ทำเงินง่าย
บาคาร่าฝากถอนไม่มีขั้นต่ำ
Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks odengtoto.org
We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. exchange perfectmoney
Your work is truly appreciated round the clock and the globe. It is incredibly a comprehensive and helpful blog. visit my profile
This is very Amazing and Very Informative Article we get a lot of Information from this article we really appreciate your team work keep it up and keep posting such a informative articles.อาหาร ประ จํา ชาติ อินเดีย
Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. uidai gov.in
When it comes to Orange County’s scorching summers and chilly winters, having a reliable HVAC system is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Cool Air Technologies, a leading HVAC contractor in Orange County, has been providing exceptional Orange County Air Conditioning Repair, services, and sales since 1996. With a commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction, Cool Air Technologies is your trusted partner for all your HVAC needs.
This unique looks utterly perfect. Every one of plain and simple records are prepared through the help of great number for working experience handy experience. I will be happy it all for a second time considerably. Gorilla Flow
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. dofollow backlinks
Online dream interpretation website Accurate dream interpretationฝันเห็นแมลงเยอะมาก เลขเด็ด