letters for a postcynical
Why we need a post-cynical renaissance
We must address, particularly, what we perceive as a disconnect between the contemporary art scene and the wider public. We believe this rift between art and the people is detrimental and corrosive to both.
The following pieces attempt to analyze this cynical paradigm and suggest countermeasures against its symptoms. We long to see a movement towards “Sincerity” – art that is more sincere and, thus, we argue, more accessible to broader audiences.
Our goal is a change of paradigm, leaving behind us the Age of Cynicism. Not just by way of destructive criticism, however, but with a breakthrough to a more constructive space of artistic and cultural production. Future issues will dedicate space to exploring the positive substance of this new paradigm.
Now, let’s dive in …
Interview with Jan-Marc Furer
Jan-Marc Furer is a trained film technician, video journalist and screenwriter who works at Schwarzfalter GmbH as a documentary filmmaker.
As a team of artists, scientists and creative minds, Schwarzfalter GmbH combines film art with sound research to develop and produce feature films, entertaining educational clips, and science communication projects.
Towards a post-cynical era
The contemporary art and culture scene could be predominantly described as “cynical”. From the best-selling work of Jeff Koons, whose work makes up two of the five most expensive artworks by a living artist, to the endless installments of carbon copy megafranchise superhero films and their deconstructive counterparts that seek to endlessly subvert those very same heroes’ journeys, we cannot help but feel that things are not ideal. But what can we do?
Update from Christian Story
From the beginning, the Renaissance Foundation has supported the ChristianStory project, which has become an incredible success, although it is not yet financially self-sustaining. The Foundation Board approved a significant portion of last year's funds to finance the project.
Against the Machine
In September, a non-fiction book was published that has found a surprisingly large audience and has been highly praised by many reviewers: Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth. The book is currently only available in English.
Travel report Florence
Kathrin Lenoir took part in our Renaissance trip at the beginning of October. The tour group consisted of just under thirty people. The trip was organised by the Renaissance Association and led by Manuel and Oliver Dürr, who presented topics relating to art and intellectual history in dialogue with each other.