Greetings from Mexico City!
This week, I’d like to feature some people whose work, taste, and perspectives have inspired me.
On the Agenda
Thomas Cole
Rick Owens
Riva Tez
Mexico City Photos
Thomas Cole
Thomas Cole was a renowned 19th-century American landscape painter. Steeped in Western tradition and Christian faith, he explores timeless ideas in few images.
1. The Course of Empire describes the rise and fall of a civilization.
Descriptions by ChatGPT:
Stage 1. "The Savage State": A pristine, untouched landscape with indigenous people living in harmony with nature. Symbolizing the early, untamed stage, where nature dominates.
Stage 2. "The Pastoral State": Agriculture and pastoral life have developed. People are cultivating the land, and enjoying the bounties of nature. There is a sense of tranquility and simplicity.
Stage 3. "The Consummation of Empire: The peak of civilization. A bustling metropolis, grand architecture, and advanced technology. There's power, wealth, and opulence.
Stage 4. "Destruction": The empire crumbles, resulting in war, conflict, and destruction. The once-glorious city is now in ruins, consumed by fire and conflict.
Stage 5. "Desolation": The city lies in ruins, nature has taken over, and only remnants of past grandeur remain. It's a scene of desolation and despair.
2. The Voyage of Life traces the journey of an archetypal hero along the "River of Life."
Descriptions by The National Gallery of Art:
Part 1. "Childhood": A golden boat emerges from a darkened cave—a mysterious earthly source—from which a joyous infant reaches out to the world with wonder and naïveté.
Part 2. "Youth": The voyager confidently assumes control at the helm of the boat. He boldly strives to reach an aerial castle, emblematic of adolescent ambition for fame and glory.
Part 3. "Manhood": Nature's fury, evil demons, and self-doubt threaten the voyager. As he is whirled toward violent rapids and bare, fractured rocks— only divine intervention can save the voyager from a tragic fate.
Part 4. "Old Age": The stream of life has reached the ocean of eternity where the voyager floats aboard his broken, weathered vessel. The guardian angel, whom he sees for the first time, directs his gaze toward a beckoning, soft light emerging from the parting clouds—the vision of eternal life.
3. The Cross and the World contrasts the righteous path versus the worldly path.
Description by the Smithsonian American Art Museum:
Two young men each begin a pilgrimage. One to the cross and the other through the world. The route to the cross is mountainous and difficult, while the pathway through the world tempts with a beautiful valley. By the end of their journeys, the pilgrim of the cross discovers the bright light and angels of redemption, but the pilgrim of the world finds only a wasteland of emptiness and fear.
Rick Owens
Rick Owens is an American-born, Paris-based, fashion designer, nicknamed: "Lord of Darkness", “1,000 year old vampire” who lives in secluded Concordia, Italy, surrounded by a personal collection of strange items. Among them: an Egyptian sarcophagus, a “momento mori” skull, his father’s pistols, Giacomo Balla chairs, and Onagadori chicken feathers.
On Rick’s Creative Process:
How does [Rick] do it? I’m an artist, he’s an artist, but his artistry—every time I see it, it’s better. Every. Time. He’s constantly learning and he’s always pushing himself. Where does he come up with any of this stuff? Where is it living in his head? Every time I’m in awe of his level of artistry and focus.” —Danielle Levitt, Photographer
The answer lies in his home. Rick curates his home, deliberately, only keeping items that inspire him. Watch his house tour.
Riva Tez
Riva has had a fascinating life. She began her career building a children’s toy store while studying philosophy. Then she joined strategy at Intel and is now investing in future cities.
"I dream of many different careers, many different lives, many different loves; many different renewals of myself— as if I am an immortal being who is able to experiment and explore across an endless timeline."
Curated Links:
Bonus - I found her philosophical critiques cheeky and hilarious.
Critique on Stoicism
A key tenet of Stoicism is remaining indifferent to the changes of fortune and pleasure and pain.
"Stoicism pacifies. I would sell Stoicism to every one of my enemies to prevent them from being an obstacle. A true Stoic probably wouldn't fight for tech progress or grand science-fiction visions. Stoicism is the opposite to something like The Odyssey or Ayn Rand. These campaign for individual greatness and striving for more than what you have. While they threaten harmony— we're living in a time where we lack great men (+ women).
Critique on Solipsism
Solipsism is the belief that the self is all that exists.
"Come the fuck on. It's reductio ad absurdum in its truest sense. Name me one great solipsist philosopher. It takes a useful tool — Cartesian skepticism — and pushes it to a surrealist and illogical extreme. Solipsism provides no pragmatic value."
Critique on Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is about optimizing for the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
“Utilitarianism only works if the best tool you have to solve complex problems is toddler socialist math. Otherwise, almost anything is better. It's faulty reductionism usually based on ill-defined good intentions.”
Photos from Mexico City
Lastly, here are 10 photos of Mexico City:
Mexico City Favorites
Café: La Caja de Cristal
Bakery: Odette
Restaurant: Gardela
Until next time!
Leo
I JUST came back from Mexico City! That last picture is from Cafebrería el Péndulo right? Loved it
Amazing photos Leo! Most of them seem to be yours. Seems like you took a leap in photo composition and quality, or am I imagining that?