Existentialist Aspects of Modern Art

"Painting will reveal some of the innermost motives of existentialism if we are able to analyze the creations since the turn of the century in the right way."


This very compact statement from Paul Tillich is worth reading. His view of existentialism as revealed in art should provoke further thought today.

Existentialist Aspects of Modern Art

Being and Nothingness, by Jean Paul Sartre

The actual book can be read online, translated into English, at Google Books. In the opening paragraph Sartre states the problem clearly. At the end of the long road, you are forced to find your own solution. Although it is free and online, some important sections are missing and the translation is less than elegant. Who will suggest a better translation?

My Science Teacher Died on The Racquetball Court

Shit, I have to hurry up and dig some holes for my tarragon, which has grown out of its pots and needs to be planted today or else, but this is important. Take a moment to remember a great man, if only for his patience.

Mr. Johnston did indeed fall dead on the racquetball court.
It would have been a great loss regardless of venue: he had his Moment.

He gave up the idea of teaching me science at Square One, but shared my love of Impressionism and especially Debussy's "Images". I remember one day in my starched shirt, off in the corner of his oversized classroom, from behind a labyrinth of glassware, I walked as calmly and quickly as I could right up to him while he taught class:

"We have to get out of here. I'll help you open the windows".

It's true. read more

Send it back to New York

How many great minds continue to waste time, sending their best to "The New Yorker"? Stop. Send it instead to "The National Lampoon". Do you like peacocks? Please, read more