Friday, October 19, 2012

Sway of the Modern

The extent to which the modernist perspective began as rebellion and rejection is debatable; that it grew to a means to rebuild, redefine, and clarify the broader cultural and historical outlook in the moment now is certain.


Visions contrived outside this paradigm yet remain frivolous; forces of history and shared global traditions reflecting the highest order of genius persist in power and influence.  Dynamics, means, and methods of expression change, but the permanent things do not, through continuous processes of being and becoming.  These abstract ideas and ideals-- among them love, integrity of character, honesty, beauty, and faith-- are brought to meaning through art and made new in the experience of living every day.

Over the course of a century the modern retains its force and virtue.  It yet unfolds, no less illuminates.