The best works of art are failures, and it is up to the public to give them a meaning over which the artist has no control, comedian Micha Wertheim argued in an essay for De Correspondent. We thought that was a good topic for our fourth geek podcast. Marijn Lems (NRC,Theaterkrant) sometimes clashes with people who think he dwells too much on the moral side of the artwork in his reviews. Yours truly also has his doubts about this moral judgement.
Funnily enough, Micha Wertheim interferes in the conversation at some point, which certainly adds to the liveliness. Not entirely coincidentally, Wertheim is an expert on art, meaning and morality, which is why it is wonderful that, in between preparations for his not-to-be-missed show Niemand Anders (there are still tickets) found time to engage in a discussion with Marijn. He does not consider morality a subject for art criticism. 'Of course, the problem is that a lot of artists start talking about morality themselves. So it's not only the critics' fault that the conversation about art goes in that direction. I blame artists for that too.'
Baudet
And so the conversation turns to Thierry Baudet, who, as an artist, in this case a writer of books, can be separated from his own views. At least as long as he does not bring those same views, and his role as an artist, to the Lower House. And does Wertheim make a fine argument for a reappraisal of the concept of safe space. 'It is precisely a place where you can safely experience all views and amoral things, not and place to isolate yourself from them.'
And then we also come to Louis CK and Woody Allen. So listen here to three quarters of an hour of debate on morality in art criticism.
We will continue it next time, so if you have anything of your own to contribute for a future shoot: let us know (members have priority).
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