In this first edition of the arts editor lineup, we explore love. In its presence or absence, in people or places, romantic or platonic, love is in the belly of all artistic intent. Across the media, its tireless exploration has helped us uncover what it can mean to be a partner, a child, a caregiver—but mostly—human.
Books: Raymond Carver, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”
Astutely American and in a multifaceted approach to love, Raymond Carver’s classic short stories collection, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” tells 17 short stories united by the complications of companionship, the equal parts beauty and ugliness that sprouts from love’s pursuit. Carver is a master of set-ups and payoffs; his efficient and lean style can appeal to the casual reader. At only 135 pages long, each story flies off the page as soon as it begins, while each sentence is jammed with intricate and implicit detail. This short story collection, drenched in denim, coffee and drugstore chocolates, will surely please the casual to veteran reader this February.
Poetry: Jamaica Kincaid, “Girl”
Instead of fishing into the facile and never-ending basket of love poems, I rather choose a poem by Jamaica Kincaid that celebrates identity and self-love. Published in 1978, “Girl” explores womanhood through a self-imposed and societal lens. This poem decidedly, and apparently, breaks the male gaze and romanticism of feminine expectations. Kincaid’s writing, by exposing the hypocrisy of patriarchy and representing the truthful, poignant view on femininity; Kincaid allows room for self-celebration, self-fulfillment and self-love.
Film: Jim Jarmusch, “Paterson”
In the opening pages of William Carlos Williams’ poetic epic of the same name, “A man like a city and a woman like a flower—who are in love.” Filmic maestro Jim Jarmusch depicts love, poetry and the city of Paterson, New Jersey. With such compassion, he manages to turn life’s mundanity into an intoxicating journey. Over the course of a week, we follow the titular character, Paterson (played by Adam Driver), as a NJ Transit bus driver on his daily routine. Drama and conflict arise in the tension between that routine; however, it becomes apparent that his life is woven together by his fulfilling companionships and the love and ownership over his town. This film is a breath of fresh air from the flashy whiz-bang-pop that the current movie landscape has become saturated with. Instead, this film holds your hand and exposes how lovely life— as it already stands for you— can be.
Art: Hal Fischer’s “Blue Handkerchief, Red Handkerchief”
Hal Fischer’s legendary print “Blue Handkerchief, Red Handkerchief” is an evocative exploration of queer identity. Through photos and annotated graphics, this piece is part of a larger collection by Fischer called “Gay Semiotics.” Fischer intuitively approaches this theme with subjectivity through his use of black and white photos, simultaneously allowing for a self-interpretive experience for the viewer. Currently displayed at the MoMA, “Blue Handkerchief, Red Handkerchief” shows two pairs of back pockets standing beside each other. One predictably labeled “Blue Handkerchief,” and the other “Red Handkerchief.” Each handkerchief with a description of the gender and sexual roles each display implies.
Plays: Zoe Kazan, ‘Trudy and Max in Love”
Currently available for purchase in Midtown’s Drama Book Shop, Kazan’s “Trudy and Max in Love” was originally written and performed in 2014. The play’s narrative explores two writers, the BoHo-millennial/Brooklyn-transplant type disillusioned by modern romance. Although written a decade ago, “Trudy and Max in Love’s” exploration of partnership is incredibly relevant to the navel-gazed and bored dating scene plaguing New Yorkers today. With witty dialogue and exploration of its subjects with such care and intention, the play asks what it means to love, to marry, to fight, to hate and to say yes.
Pace Press Playlist:
This month’s Pace Press playlist is curated by our assistant op-ed editor, Sophia Patti: For many, the most daunting part of Valentine’s Day, whether you’re in a relationship or not, is curating a playlist of love songs that match how you’re feeling. Sometimes, it’s best to turn to the classics, to songs that stand the test of time. The playlist can be found right here.
