We ARE So Lucky, James Panero
Let us imagine the mounting of an exhibition that might celebrate the 100th anniversary of the renowned ARMORY SHOW, the international exhibition of modern art that rocked the world in 1913. James Panero recently introduced this topic in the pages of The New Criterion, commenting that the exhibition served as “the moment that separates the reactionary past from the more enlightened present.”
Panero quotes Alfred Stieglitz who stated that the Armory successfully cast aside “the dry bones of a dead art.” He then comments, “We should be so lucky if today’s academic thinkers similarly become the footnotes of history, and resurgence in art once again captures the vital spirit of the times.”
Indeed, Mr. Panerno, we ARE so lucky.
Culture-transforming art would come into view once you broadened your search beyond the blue-chip art galleries that collude with the status-quo rule of fame and commerce.
Hundreds of eco artists across the globe are currently revamping such foundational concepts as “need,” “want,” “expectation,” and “accomplishment” that debunk prevailing behavioral, economic, and ethical norms. These artists seem less inclined to protest than to inspire and heal, which is, in itself, evidence of “vital spirit”. Instead of merely breaking with the art academies, as happened in 1913 exhibition that rocked and shocked, today’s vanguard artists bolster planet Earth’s ability to support life!
All that remains is for distinguished art professionals, like James Panero, to take note.