Needless Activities in the Haystack
According to a common understanding, art is a playful surplus activity, something that may look as if it had a purpose although it doesn't. Meanwhile, some treat it with the highest respect and believe it is the sole transmitter of truth.
Zweckmäßigkeit ohne Zweck, sketch for a print, 2022 © Risto Holopainen.
I have always been interested in painting, music, and writing. Sometimes I make prints, animations, or a radiophonic play. My activities as an artist are quite wide-ranging. The authoritative source for all of that is my home page. Here I intend to write about art theory and music, trying to make sense of where contemporary art is going, probably dissect some philosophy, and perhaps comment on media and politics. My curiosities often wander off in various directions, so I cannot promise that every post will be about art. I don't hold a degree in art history, or any other academic discipline related to visual art, although I was exposed to aesthetic theories as a student of musicology.
For almost two years I have been working on a book on modernism and contemporary art. I will keep working on it until I find a publisher, and if I don't, I'll self-publish. Writing a book is a lonely endeavor, and a period of fascinating discoveries. But at some point, when you write non-fiction, it becomes desirable to have someone to discuss your thoughts with. This is where I hope to engage with anyone who is interested in art to hear your opinions and suggestions.
Publishing a book is easy. You begin by being a celebrity, then the rest will sort out.
In this publication, the needle's haystack, the publication schedule will be irregular. Writing takes time. Writing well takes even more time. This isn't something that can be solved by payed subscriptions, time and money are not equivalents. Committing to writing several articles per month regardless of other circumstances is a sure recipe for burnout, unless it would merely lead to regurgitation of old ideas and hastily conceived thoughts. All of which I want to avoid.
Although I usually don't see the point of subscribing to web pages, perhaps you do. If you do, please go ahead, it is possible to subscribe to this one. I prefer bookmarking pages that may be worth revisiting. Let's put it this way: If someone induces in you the fear of missing out, then they are being mean to you. Probably not on purpose, but nevertheless.
Don't miss my next post where I will explain what contemporary art is.