Art's Prospect

The Challenge of Tradition in an Age of Celebrity

By: Roger Kimball

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

In this series of essays, Roger Kimball, managing editor of the New Criterion and an art critic for the London Spectator, examines the current art scene with a scathing intelligence and a crystalline eloquence of writing style. Particularly amusing are his dissections of art-show catalogspeak.©2003 Roger Kimball (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Yawn, yawn.

In the spirit of "these kids today" and "back in the good ole days," Kimball comes off as an crabby intellectual lightweight who offers no new or interesting insight into art. He offers such brilliant insight as, artist Mona Hatoum only got a job because of affirmative action and sociology is an intellectual slum. He offers the sort of criticism that presents itself as common sense and realist, but history inevitably shows to be laughably naive and off the mark. Although, a high point is a chapter attacking the foolishness of Ayn Rand and her followers, which should always be praised. It may be hard to navigate the anything goes world of art today, but Kimball really offers nothing to help us understand how to approach art today. There is no real investigation into the connections between art and other disciplines or social factors which are vital to art today. Overall Kimball shows us why critics so often get a reputation as professional complainers who have nothing positive to add to the world.

Confounded or bored by the contemporary art world?

What did you love best about Art's Prospect?

Then this book is for you. It is a great counterpoint to the hollow, commercial contemporary art world.

Painters, writers and critics should read it.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, but only to profesionals. Not a light reading.

What other book might you compare Art's Prospect to and why?

A Painted House, Thomas Wolff. This is of course is a drier form, maybe more serious and laking the sence of humor Wolff delights us
Even so, for a professional painter, its really a fantastic book

Which scene was your favorite?

When he says that the person who unvoluntary clanes up the mess leaved by Damien Hirst must be the best curator ever

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Hearing about Diebenkorn, he was my teacher long long time ago in California .
I am chilean, and it was my luck to be in the riht place at the right moment

Any additional comments?

For a book that is directed not for a massive public, this is really a delight from beginning to end

Painful

Kimball has so many complaints about how art is viewed, funded, curated, created and enjoyed...in his case, not enjoyed. His bold audacious opinions are laughable at times, but this is by no means a comedy. The first book from Audible I have purchased that I can say was truly a mistake and waste.

A wonderful eye opener

I found this audiobook to give me a very profound insight into art. There are lot of so-called object we call art these days. I love the statement that starting in the 60s everyone felt anyone can be an artist. Not everyone is an artist just like not everone can be jesus or budda. Artist have insights which elude most people. Its unfortunate that more poeple don't speak up againest all the trash we are shown as art these days. Roger Kimball is brave and I wish him the best.Great book.

Dreadful, sad

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

If you were preparing for a debate with someone who hated art, this might be a good way to get ready.

What was most disappointing about Roger Kimball’s story?

Rodger Kimball rants and rants about easy targets in the arts. It feels like being trapped with one's hick relatives.
I don't mind an opinion different from mine, but Kimball does not use evidence. He just harrumphs titles of works he finds ridiculous and art that he does not understand.
He then claims that art by women and minorities is just "affirmative action"and the white guy artists are just stupid.

What didn’t you like about Christopher Lane’s performance?

Lane gave a fine reading of a terrible book.

What character would you cut from Art's Prospect?

The premise is just awful. Some old white guy hates new stuff. Boring.

Any additional comments?

I really don't understand the point of this book. It is like someone who hates classical music writing a book on classical music.