#cultural-criticism

#cultural-criticism

Generative A.I., once an uncanny novelty, is now being used to create not only images and videos but entire "artists." Its boosters claim that the technology is merely a tool to facilitate human creativity; the major use cases we've seen thus far-and the money being poured into these projects-tell a different story. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss the output of Timbaland's A.I. rapper TaTa Taktumi and the synthetic actress Tilly Norwood.

I was never under the illusion that I'd become the next Lester Bangs, but now, as institutional support declines, I'm starting to wonder whether there will ever be another Lester Bangs. What about another Roger Ebert, Manohla Dargis, or Pauline Kael? Who's drafting the blueprint for what cultural criticism might look like in the future? And are new modes of commentary diluting or enriching the form?

The video-which Tranter later took down-seemed like yet another sign that the art of reviewing the arts was in a strange state. This year has been grim for criticism: The Associated Press stopped reviewing books; Vanity Fair winnowed its critical staff; The New York Times reassigned veteran critics to other jobs; and Chicago-the city of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel-lost its only remaining full-time print-media movie reviewer when the Chicago Tribune 's Michael Phillips took a buyout.

Kreizman’s wit and blunt self-reflection animate her collection, as she delves into her journey from a 'good Democrat' toward a profound disillusionment.

White was a pivotal figure in documenting the gay revolution, capturing the cultural landscape and struggles of the community through his diverse body of work.

The 2005 MTV Video Music Awards was hosted by Diddy. Any event with Diddy is already in bad taste now, but to make matters worst, the promotion for the ceremony also featured celebrities like Nicole Ritchie and Derek Jeter providing testimonials over how legendary Diddy's parties were. It could be worse: A few years before, at the 2003 VMAs, Diddy invited a 13-year-old to his afterparty. With recent allegations, it's all incredibly uncomfortable to watch.

Zink's dialogue reads like our best plays, creating an entertaining yet ethically rich exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of a cultural elite.