ArtsJournal: Arts, Culture, Ideas

Today’s Weekend AJ Highlights

Good morning. How can you believe anything anymore? AI has taken away the “proof” of a video. And seeing (or hearing) is definitely not believing anymore. Sociologists call it “deep doubt,” and being unable to truly believe in anything is destabilizing, not just personally, but for the wider culture. Ars Technica’s Benj Edwards explores the phenomenon. Meanwhile, here are the rest of today’s highlights:

  1. China’s Art Censorship Targets Contemporary Artists
    China’s increasing crackdown on contemporary art has forced many artists to go underground or leave the country entirely. This new wave of censorship is severely limiting creative expression. Read more on The New York Times.
  2. Is AI Creating a Crisis for the Art World?
    As AI-generated art becomes more prevalent, artists and curators are grappling with existential questions about the future of creativity. Is human input becoming irrelevant in the art world? Read more on The Guardian.
  3. Indigenous Artists Lead the Way in Climate Activism
    Indigenous artists from the Amazon to the Arctic are using their work to advocate for urgent climate action, blending cultural traditions with contemporary environmentalism. Their art is drawing attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on indigenous communities. Read more on BBC.
  4. Met Gala’s New Theme Sparks Controversy Over Colonial History
    The announcement of the Met Gala’s new theme, centered on colonial influences in fashion, has ignited a heated debate. Read more on Vogue.
  5. The Return of Live Theatre in Post-Pandemic New York
    New York’s theatre scene is experiencing a renaissance as audiences flock back to live performances post-pandemic. The industry is also facing new challenges, from inflation to shifting audience demographics. Read more on The Washington Post.

As usual, skip down to read the rest of the stories we collected this weekend. See you tomorrow.

Doug

Latest Stories

The Difference Between Human Hierarchies And Other Primate Hierarchies

Evolutionary anthropologist Thomas Morgan: “People can be coercive, but unlike other species, we also create hierarchies of prestige – voluntary arrangements that allocate labor and decision-making power according to expertise.” - The Conversation

Critics Hate Proposed Plans For British Museum Spruce-Up

New security buildings in the grounds of the British Museum would look "too flashy" and resemble "a shop and wine bar", opponents to the plans have said. - BBC

Netflix CEO Goes To Testify Before Congress; A Culture War Ensues

He ended up spending much of his time before the Judiciary subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights pushing back against accusations from Republican senators that the streamer is politically biased. - NBC

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