Hipster government

Probably not the most fiscally conservative government ever.

My favorite detail? Watch what he’s sworn in on.

Paris en détresse?

From Kottke comes this gem of an article about the so-called cultural decline of Paris. The gist is that the city is no longer the cultural capital it used to be, because it has not kept up with the times, and this is a Bad Thing. I call bullshit (admittedly, partially because it is my favorite city). When I was living there a year ago, I found a great young scene centered around not only le clubbing, but also a great live music scene, a healthy, to say the least, selection of museums and theatres, both modern and classic, great fashion, and fantastic food, all within a downtown that is walkable and has an amazing public transportation system.

Catherine Field’s article doesn’t seem to do to benefit the argument, perhaps because the argument itself is vapid. The thesis is, more or less, that Paris is not the cultural landmark it once was, owing partially to its being suck in the past, and partially to the mobs of tourists who come swarming in to enjoy, ironically enough, the culture of Paris. Evidence to the fact that Paris is not the juggernaut it once was comes in almost list form. The largest piece of evidence is that in modern art museums, few living French artists are shown. The article of course must contradict itself by naming Paris a leader of cinematography, film, architecture, dance, food, and more, all while leaving off some of the most influential French artists in those respective categories. Field’s way of writing this off? The most pretentious of all sentiments: France is a leader, “…if these are accepted as arts.”

And so the article tips its hand. A decline in big-name visual artists from Paris is equated with a decline in culture. Visual art is the one true art, and art is the only important measuring stick of culture. You’ll excuse me if I call that stupid. Culture includes visual arts, those lesser or non-arts Ms. Field mentions, as well as a history, a tradition, politics, and so much more. To define culture as art is not only uninteresting, it misses the point of what creates vibrancy in a place. The very thing that the article points to as being Paris’ reason for a lack of culture actually will help to create a stronger one: looking to the past for inspiration for the future. Paris, and all of France, is a place that holds on strongly to its national identity, to its (history|mythology), to its old buildings and old arts. In doing so, it might miss opportunities in some arts, but it finds opportunities in others, and creates a very pleasant atmosphere to live in. In many ways Paris did well to hold on to the past, for we do not see the eyesore that is brutalist architecture that inhabits other European (and American!) cities.

The truth is, there is fantastic art coming out of Paris. I will offer one example in depth, but many more can be seen, especially in contemporary film, architecture and theatre. Look at Vincent Moon and his Concerts à emporter series. They’re an exciting mix of contemporary indie music, a film making style that is reminiscent of new-wave cinematography, and the sights of Paris, old buildings, contemporary neighborhoods, and the rest. Two of my favorites are below; Yeasayer performing while walking through the streets and then while within the metro, and below that Andrew Bird wandering the streets of Montmatre on the day that I saw him in concert in a venue nearby. This was the same concert where the audience made Dosh, Bird’s friend, drummer, and opening act, play an encore, something I’ve never seen done for or by an opening act before. It was a wonderful night, that night, and was more than enough to convince me that Paris does have a lot of culture left in it. It might not be the kind that manifests itself solely though having big-name visual artists, but it is a wonderful culture that puts it near the top of cities in Europe, or the world. Its a culture that knows its past and tradition, that melds (as French art has done since the middle ages) all the best Europe and America have to offer, and its a culture that is inherently French. Est-ce que Paris est en détresse ? Non.

#87.1 – YEASAYER – No need to worry / Redcave
Uploaded by lablogotheque

#45.3 – Andrew Bird – Spare-Oh
Uploaded by lablogotheque