Observations on Geographic Dispersal of Artistic Movements
The Story
An observer reviewing applications for a project called “New Aesthetics” shared personal notes on the state of artistic movements worldwide. The author stated that contemporary artistic movements lack a central geographic place, unlike in the past. New York City was described as no longer the center of the art world, with high rents and a loss of rebellious spirit cited as reasons. Los Angeles was noted to have good galleries and creativity but never became the leading city for visual arts. The Bay Area, despite its wealth, was described as lagging behind. Berlin and Germany were considered too complacent, and Central Europe was seen as having heritage but no engine for growth. Paris and London were said to be for high-end activities but not ground-level creative ferment. China’s visual arts scene was reported to have declined due to restrictions on freedom. The author’s opinions of Spain, Mexico, and parts of Africa (including South Africa) rose, but those regions were not seen as having global influence to lead. The author concluded that the world is currently failing to produce a regional center for the next artistic revolutions. However, the author noted an impressive showing from Asian women globally, calling it a reason for optimism that future revolutions may be less geographically centered.
Key Facts
- The author’s observations come from reviewing applications for “New Aesthetics.”
- Artistic movements currently lack a centrality of place.
- New York City is no longer the art world center; high rents and loss of essence are factors.
- Los Angeles has good galleries but never became number one for visual arts.
- The Bay Area remains behind despite its money.
- Berlin feels like it could be an art center but is not; Germany is too complacent.
- Central Europe has heritage but no engine of growth.
- Paris and London are for high-end activities, not ground-level creative ferment.
- China’s visual arts scene declined with restrictions on freedom.
- The author’s opinion of Spain and Mexico went up.
- Opinion of parts of Africa (including South Africa) is high from travel, but not reflected in applications.
- None of those locales have global momentum to lead.
- The author is still looking for a regional center; the world is failing at that.
- “Asian women” from all over put in an impressive showing, a reason for optimism.
- Future artistic revolutions may be less geographically centered.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
The specific nature of the “New Aesthetics” project is not described. The identity of the author and “Patrick” is not provided beyond their names.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Patrick (offered observations; no further identification provided)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
