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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

For the Mad Bomber

posted by on January 24 at 11:40 AM

In response to my post last week, Does Sculpture Exist? Or the Search for Traction, “George Metesky” (the name of the “mad bomber” who hit New York City dozens of times in the 40s and 50s) wrote:

It’s rare that you get two writers - in this case one quoting another - so specifically ignorant about their chosen (even professed) focus.

The point of reference here is the hardly obscure essay “Art and Objecthood”, by Michael Fried. A nearly thirty year old essay, it should be said.

In attempting to oversimplify and co-opt Fried’s central, landmark thesis on what he termed “theatricality”, Burton gives uninformed Graves just enough rope to (publicly) hang herself with.

Posted by George Metesky | January 19, 2007 07:54 PM

Actually, I’m glad you brought up the Fried piece. It’s a great touchstone that, you’re right, I should have thought to mention. Krauss hated Fried’s overly broad dismissal of “theatrical” sculpture, and it’s a fair and even interesting accusation that Burton’s assertion coopted Fried’s argument without crediting him, but far more interesting is why Burton would choose this tack now. (Especially considering the drubbing Fried took when he wrote it — what if he’d written it today?)

That said, why are you such an asshole? As a superior sculptural thinker, all you can do is drop an obvious missed reference? Anonymously?

Comparing cocks expertise is dull, stupid, and small. I write out of curiosity. Naturally I try to be informed, and in this case I happen to be more informed than you thought I was. But even if I hadn’t been, I’m not slain by the prospect that somebody else thought of a good idea, question, or reference that I didn’t — I’m glad to have it to consider.

I realize there are few things more fascinating to write about than me, but I challenge you to write under your real name, and about sculpture, my original subject. What say you about the Krauss/Fried conversation today? Why are Burton and Ellegood and Handforth talking like this now? (Jesus, this stuff was too wonky for Tyler Green, who put up an Art BS alert about it, and it wasn’t wonky enough for you, bomber. A girl can not win.)

Or, if you want to continue to masturbate all over our fine Slog, you can do that, too.

RSS icon Comments

1

pwnt lol

Posted by JessB | January 24, 2007 1:43 PM
2

You must not get flamed very often, Jen. So what if he calls you ignorant? It's a classic flame tactic used by people either making weak arguments or who know they don't really have a point.

Posted by Gomez | January 24, 2007 4:10 PM
3

Except of course, LOL, when I use it on John Longenbaugh, since he actually doesn't know what he's talking about.

Posted by Gomez | January 24, 2007 4:11 PM

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