I’ll be going to see a Frida Kahlo / Diego Rivera exhibit today. Last night my wife and I watched the movie again in preparation. I love how art can speak a language about human nature that transcends words. But I also love when someone can feel so deeply and be able to express those words without abandon.
Category: Art and culture
The Relevance of Cultural Heritage Professionals
When was the last time you went to a museum? Maybe an art museum or a historical museum or a cultural museum? Do you see Museum’s as an experience for the “elite” or is that a thing of the past?
I really appreciate this perspective on the importance of cultural heritage professionals and the role of the museum from both a cultural and sociological perspective. With changing times comes evolving roles. And in North America in particular where we have such a young country influenced by a uniquely diverse set of cultural heritage contexts, i think it’s becoming more and more important to preserve, learn, appreciate and revel in the cultural history that makes us an “us” and reminds us of our shared human heritage.
Yet another thankless profession in the practice of “narcissistic anthropology”. 😉
A few months ago I posted a Museum Practices seminar student, Leila Hamdan’s response to the following question:
Put yourself in the position of John or Josephine Q. Public. In the current economic chaos, the bank is foreclosing on their home, they have lost their jobs, and the city just reduced their public services. In referring to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the House Budget Committee recently arguedthat “The activities and content funded by these agencies…are generally enjoyed by people of higher income levels, making them a wealth transfer from poorer to wealthier citizens.” Isn’t your research or the position you aspire to as a museum professional just another example of this wealth transfer? What do John and Josephine Q. Public get for their tax dollars that fund your research/position?
Since that time, I have asked these questions of my…
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From Low Culture To High Art: The Punk Rock Uniform
Featured in the Arts and Leisure section of the New York Times today is a journalistic tribute to context creating pop culture, inspired by the exhibit at the Metropolitain Museum of Art in New York that tells a high fashion tale of couture inspired by counterculture. Here is the online version of today's worth-a-read journalism: … Continue reading From Low Culture To High Art: The Punk Rock Uniform
Poking Fun At Our Issues With Packaging
It occurred to me lately that I don't have to go to "specialty novelty" stores anymore to get a good dose of off-color humor in my product selection. These days you can find such naughty what-nots at your neighborhood hipster variety store or tucked-away indie boutique. Consumer trends in re appropriating retro pamphlet illustrations and … Continue reading Poking Fun At Our Issues With Packaging
Office Acculturation – Rewind – Art Immitates Life?
As put by one of my "Cultural Creative" respondents in this week in a research project I am working on: "This video about sums up that cubicle world we all too are familiar with at times"... Avicii vs Nicky Romero - I Could Be The One (Official Music Video)
Some Inspiration For The Street Art Fans
On day two of my current project, I continue to get bombarded by the context that shapes the lives of Cultural Creatives. Today, I found the link to hookedblog It's a UK based street art blog. This was submitted by a grad student from Colombia studying in the UK, who follows DJs and street artists. … Continue reading Some Inspiration For The Street Art Fans
Composer Or Ethnomusicologist? Maria Schneider: An Example of the Human Experience Captured Through Music
As I sat at the kitchen table reading the article below aloud to my wife, over last night's leftover guava pastries and a couple of home-made cafe con leches, it struck me that I wasn't just reading an article about music. The way the story takes us through prominent contemporary Jazz composer Maria Schneider's trip … Continue reading Composer Or Ethnomusicologist? Maria Schneider: An Example of the Human Experience Captured Through Music
Inspired By The Creative Class – Hope For An Interesting and Exciting Future
I have done a bit of research and writing here and there about this new demographic of "Cultural Creatives" the consumer sociologists, anthropologists and business gurus keep talking about. Technically speaking I am one of them. Chances are if you are reading this you are too. I am current in the midst of recruiting participants … Continue reading Inspired By The Creative Class – Hope For An Interesting and Exciting Future
Variations On A Meme: Marriage Equality Enthusiasm
Not to belabor the point on marriage equality, but I am always a fan of meme-watching...especially when you start seeing all the "hacking" that goes into personalizing a meme to make it more meaningful....and even borrowing from other memes to do so. In the case of the marriage equality debate that is happening in the … Continue reading Variations On A Meme: Marriage Equality Enthusiasm
Another look at the Omo tribes. Just beautiful cultural (literally) snapshot
The Narcissistic (American) Anthropologist 