What is the state of artistic activity in our culture?
Like all activities, there is a continuum of intentions and purposes surrounding art. Our global culture produces both kitsch and the most sublime artistic expression. Because we are currently experiencing a materialistic zenith – we are after all, the richest of rich countries in the world – the lion’s share clearly goes to materialistic applications, such as advertising, propaganda, and meaningless ironic crap – the ennui of a wealthy materialistic culture. However, I believe that the consciously intentional artist should approach art as a spiritual activity and as a shaman. That is the higher calling of artistic expression, and the role of “proper art,” as James Joyce defined it. We are due for a change, and whenever a condition is in an exaggerated extreme, as it is now, the stage is set for the pendulum to swing back. It’s a self organizing aspect of nature.
