Art Review: Signs of Life, and Beauty, in a COVID-Afflicted World

This is my 75th National Review story in 2020, and I hope I’ve said a few memorable things in a year which, overall, I think we want to forget. We Americans jumped through the looking glass in March. I wouldn’t describe much since then I’d call edifying. Whither 2021? More of the same, with a twist or two.

We’re living in a new zeitgeist, and that big picture affects the art world. One of the most illuminating consequences of the Trump phenomenon is a giant, pervasive unmasking. It’s not a coincidence that our betters obsess over masks as they deploy distracting, phony slogans such as “flatten the curve,” “beat the virus,” “your health and safety are our top priority,” and “stay safe,” all the while bankrupting, isolating, and dispiriting the public.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

This is my 75th National Review story in 2020, and I hope I’ve said a few memorable things in a year which, overall, I think we want to forget. We Americans jumped through the looking glass in March. I wouldn’t describe much since then I’d call edifying. Whither 2021? More of the same, with a twist or two.

We’re living in a new zeitgeist, and that big picture affects the art world. One of the most illuminating consequences of the Trump phenomenon is a giant, pervasive unmasking. It’s not a coincidence that our betters obsess over masks as they deploy distracting, phony slogans such as “flatten the curve,” “beat the virus,” “your health and safety are our top priority,” and “stay safe,” all the while bankrupting, isolating, and dispiriting the public.