Roberto Bolaño: The Savage Detectives
The Savage Detectives is quite simply a magnificent novel. This is why I read literature.
Borges and Perec on Classifying Animals
In his short story The Analytical Language of John Wilkins Borges famously lists a hilarious classification of animals found in an apocryphal Chinese encyclopedia. In Penser/Classer Georges Perec lists an equally hilarious classification drawn from various official documents.
Joseph O'Neill: Netherland
It has won the PEN/Faulkner Award and it has been almost unanimously praised, but perhaps that is precisely the problem. The novel nestles itself comfortably in the nicely made corner lounge of current taste.
Richard Avedon at FOAM
A large retrospective at FOAM, Amsterdam celebrates the work of Richard Avedon.
Peter Brook: The Empty Space
This is one of those books of which I'm ashamed to admit I only just read it. It is, as it says on the back cover of my paperback edition, required reading for anyone working in dance or theatre.
The Wealth of Nations
Of course I’d like to have more purchasing power and pay lower taxes and I too disagree with some of the ways the government of my country allocates its budget. But there is a different form of private wealth which depends on the public infrastructure of the country you live in.
Helvetica. The Movie
A fascinating documentary about graphic design and typography on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Helvetica.
Can Dance Be Disgusting?
In one of my recent papers I address the observation that scents can be disgusting, but watching dance rarely is. Stephen Fry begs to disagree, although not in response to my article.
The Best Albums of 2008
These are the albums that I play(ed) most often and rated highly.
Art vs. Games
My problem with games is that I just can’t be bothered. I don’t feel any desire to find the treasure, rescue the princess or score points. By contrast, art engages me both intellectually and emotionally and allows my thoughts to wander.
Holland Animation Film Festival 2008
My favourite shorts from the 2008 edition of the Holland Animation Film Festival.
I'm a Cyborg But That's OK
"I'm a Cyborg But That's OK" is yet another highly intelligent movie by Park Chan-wook. It's also a visual treat and in its own special way profoundly moving.