The Century of the Self (Adam Curtis)
This documentary single-handedly and fundamentally changed the way I relate to myself as an individual in an age of consumerism and manufactured consent. In brief, this not-so-brief journalistic video essay explains the contours of the festering heart that beats in the bowels of capitalism in a linear and easy to follow manner.
1. Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice
JF Martel opens the syllabus with an engaging, fun, insightful, and accessible essay/critique/call to action revolving around a particularly contemporary framing of art (and what is “not-art”, i.e. artifice). While Martel isn’t exactly in the lineage of critical theorist squarely, his work opens the conversation by providing a shared lexicon of terms and phenomena that will remain useful throughout the rest of the syllabus.
Sunbody Hats
I have a pressed palm hat from SunBody that I adore. I can wear it as a statement but can also dress it down.
Listening club
i find myself making playlists that (I think) fit this purpose quite frequently. When I work I tend to need music that is interesting enough to grab the layer of my attention that likes to drift, but not occupy so much of my mind that I can’t focus on getting things done. This playlist is versatile, supporting both deep listening and work-occupation modes without being too present in the room. Something nice when you want to drop in, but not constantly asking for your attention. Welcome to listening club!
