Adam Moss, the former editor of New York magazine and author of "The Work of Art," discusses the complexities of creative journeys. He reveals insights from his interviews with artists, highlighting the intense struggle between creation and destruction. Moss emphasizes the necessity of persistence and healthy obsession in the artistic process while reflecting on his own transformative path from magazine editor to visual artist. The conversation also touches on the significance of personal experiences shaping artistic expression, making art a laborious yet mystical endeavor.
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The Hours' Evolution
Adam Moss interviewed Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours, for his book The Work of Art.
Cunningham's initial draft lacked Virginia Woolf, a central character in the final version.
insights INSIGHT
Persistence in Art
Artists often experience the urge to give up during the creative process.
Persistence, fueled by obsession, is key to overcoming these challenges.
insights INSIGHT
Freedom of Low Expectations
Low expectations can liberate artists, allowing for greater experimentation and risk-taking.
Michael Cunningham embraced this after a perceived failure, leading to The Hours' success.
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Angels in America is a dramatic work that delves into the lives of several characters during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The play is divided into two parts: 'Millennium Approaches' and 'Perestroika'. It follows characters such as Prior Walter, a man living with AIDS; Louis Ironson, his partner who abandons him; Joe Pitt, a closeted Mormon and conservative; and Roy Cohn, a fictionalized version of the real-life conservative lawyer. The play explores themes of identity, politics, religion, and the human condition, blending realism and fantasy. It is known for its powerful and poignant portrayal of the era and its impact on various communities[2][4][5].
Lincoln in the Bardo
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The novel is set in 1862 during the American Civil War and revolves around the death of Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln. After Willie's death from typhoid fever, his spirit finds itself in a limbo known as the bardo, a concept borrowed from Tibetan Buddhism. Here, he encounters a diverse group of ghosts who are also trapped between the world of the living and the afterlife. The story delves into themes of grief, both personal and national, as Lincoln grapples with the loss of his son amidst the broader context of the Civil War. The novel is characterized by its unique narrative style, which includes a multitude of voices and historical quotes, and its exploration of the human experience of suffering and love[1][2][4].
The hours
Jaime Zulaika Goicoechea
Michael Cunningham
4000 Weeks
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A book about time management and how to live a more fulfilling life.
Meditations for Mortals
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The Origin of the Work of Art
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Martin Heidegger
Making art is hard work, as Adam Moss, the revered former editor of New York magazine, reveals in his illuminating new book, "The Work of Art." The book is a collection of interviews with painters, poets, filmmakers, and even sandcastle builders about the demanding, mystical, peculiar process of creating something out of nothing. Adam spoke with our curator Daniel Pink in front of a live audience in New York City earlier this month.
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