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"Lateral Thought of the Day: How Double Rainbow Video Reminds Me of Art Criticism"

5 Comments -

1 – 5 of 5
Blogger sally said...

This is really interesting Leah. A little counterpoint: the rainbow guy is funny, and largely a target for derision, but I honestly think that part of the reason the video has gone so viral is that people can relate. There's something really cathartic about it, and even though the video of the rainbow doesn't evoke the same feelings in the viewer, there is an aspect of empathy at play where we can to some extent imagine ourselves into Hungrybear9562's head space. I'm a big believer in the power of suspension of disbelief. It feels dangerous and out of control to go through the whole 3:30 minutes with him, but it's also a bit liberating. And I wonder if this is not also a role for art criticism: the act of subjective interpretation as another kind of creative act, parallel to the artwork, that opens up yet more (sometimes daring) imaginative possibilities for aesthetic response.

July 19, 2010 at 8:06 AM

Blogger Leah Sandals said...

Hey Sally,

Good point. That is a whole other aspect of this video -- that it does show a deep emotional reaction to this beautiful natural thing, and people are drawn to that catharsis.

I don't know if I completely understand criticism as a creative act, but I can see looking as one. A judgment that reflects some of my own need for catharsis, perhaps!

July 19, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Blogger Leah Sandals said...

I should also say that my husband pointed out that my phrase about "hallucinations" makes it sound like I'm not seeing two rainbows.

I admit, the wording is awkward! So just to be clear... YES, I see two rainbows. NO, I do not see the universal intensity and importance radiating from them like Hungrybear9562 seems to.

And this is what makes it so akin to reading some forms of art crit--physical object seen, check; depth of importance and transcendence experienced in same, uncheck.

July 22, 2010 at 3:49 PM

Blogger joejoejoe said...

I agree with Sally that there's a cathartic empathy in watching this video. Maybe it's the new Media prof in me, but I think this empathy stems from how frustrating it can be to transfer an experience through media. Actually seeing a big double rainbow is actually kind of cool - seeing one on youtube or in a photograph is not. I think Hungrybear's attempt to transfer his feelings though the cold gaze of video so we really GET how really COOL it is, is what's so endearing. At the heart of it is the truth about how bad digital devices really are at conveying meaning.

July 27, 2010 at 5:48 PM

Blogger Leah Sandals said...

Hey Joe,

I appreciate your perspective. I hadn't thought of the whole media-tool angle. I guess sometimes I think of words as an imperfect technology too! Or maybe that's just when they're at my disposal.... : )

July 28, 2010 at 10:13 PM

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