On Art and Lying
It's been noted before, by the likes of Marlon Brando and others, that art might be a socially sanctioned form of lying -- or confabulating, as neuroscientists might call it. Could this be true?
It’s been noted before, by the likes of Marlon Brando and others, that art might be a socially sanctioned form of lying — or confabulating, as neuroscientists might call it. Could this be true? –KA
Your support is crucial…Intelligent Life:
Perhaps this is why we felt it necessary to invent art in the first place: as a safe space into which our lies can be corralled, and channelled into something socially useful. Given the universal compulsion to tell stories, art is the best way to refine and enjoy the particularly outlandish or insightful ones. But that is not the whole story. The key way in which artistic “lies” differ from normal lies, and from the “honest lying” of chronic confabulators, is that they have a meaning and resonance beyond their creator. The liar lies on behalf of himself; the artist tell lies on behalf of everyone.
With an uncertain future and a new administration casting doubt on press freedoms, the danger is clear: The truth is at risk.
Now is the time to give. Your tax-deductible support allows us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes what’s really happening — without compromise.
During this holiday season, stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and ensure the stories that matter are told.
Film
Mati Diop breathes life into statues in the ethereal political art doc “Dahomey.”
Arts & Culture
Visual investigations at the intersection of climate change and global migration.
Editorial Cartoons
Though diversity is a driving ethos of this year's event in Los Angeles, the art world is still deeply invested in sidelining people of color.
Artists who tell the truth are the mortal enemies of despots, who seek to distort the past, the present and the future.
Artists, activists and museum staff launched protests after learning that chemicals made by Warren Kanders’ company were used on migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.