modernity

THE SQUARE: First (Art) World Problems
THE SQUARE: First (Art) World Problems

Though not every element of The Square works, and frequently gets heavy-handed, it’s hard not to appreciate Ruben Östlund’s sense of humor.

LO AND BEHOLD, REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD: Future's. Made Of. Virtual Insa-nity
LO AND BEHOLD, REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD: Future’s. Made Of. Virtual Insa-nity

In the fifties, Tex Avery made a series of shorts for MGM collectively called “The World of Tomorrow” in which the animator imagined what wonders the kitchen appliances, automobiles and society of the future will offer. The cartoons present with one fantastical gadget after another, all quite utilitarian, but with tongue firmly planted in cheek. The message is clear, technology may be our salvation, but left in the hands of man there will always be something to muck up.