“The aesthetic experience is a simple beholding of the object . . . you experience a radiance. You are held in aesthetic arrest.” - Joseph Campbell
Aesthetic Arrest: Mid-Week Libation
Wildstar’s Wednesday Libation: Ryan Wildstar’s Signature Lemon Drop!
When your farmers market gives you lemons . . . make lemon drops!
Reading: An Unofficial Rose by Iris Murdoch
“A Shakespearean comedy of misaligned lovers” set in the modern English countryside by a Man Booker Prize winner (Publishers Weekly).
“Hugh Peronett’s life is tinged with regret: the regret of never following his passions and losing the one woman he loved. Twenty-five years ago, he ended an affair with Emma Sands, a detective novelist who had stolen his heart, to be with his wife, Fanny. Now, Fanny is gone, and both Hugh and his grown son, Randall, find themselves at a crossroads of passion and righteousness. As Hugh, Emma, Randall, Randall’s wife, Randall’s mistress, and several others are caught in a dance of romance and rejection in bucolic rural England, they will discover the true meanings of love, companionship, and desire.” [Source]
“One of the most significant novelists of her generation.” — The Guardian
Listening: Masabane Cecilia by Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha (with Aron Goldin)
“Since winning the 2021 Song Prize at the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, South African soprano Masabane Cecilia has been selected as a BBC New Generation Artist, and in 2024 was awarded the Herbert von Karajan prize. … This, her debut album, showcases her extraordinary voice and versatility. It includes music from her homeland, gospels and spirituals, lieder and chanson, and two operatic favourites. The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady provide two favourite numbers, and ‘Summertime’ from Porgy & Bess is spinetinglingly beautiful.” [Source]
Looking: The Art of Fujishima Takeji (1867 - 1943)
“Fujishima Takeji (1867-1943) was a pioneering Japanese painter renowned for his significant contributions to the yōga (Western-style) painting movement in Japan. … In 1905, Fujishima traveled to France and Italy to further his education, immersing himself in Western techniques and styles, particularly those of the Impressionists and Art Nouveau. This experience profoundly influenced his work, leading to a unique blend of Japanese aesthetics with Western methods. … Fujishima's works are celebrated for their vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and elegant depictions of women, nature, and mythological themes. … Fujishima Takeji's legacy lies in his successful fusion of Eastern and Western art traditions, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern Japanese painting.” [Source]
Viewing: Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (2024) — a documentary portrait of the pioneering transgender R&B singer Jackie Shane (1940 - 2019), directed by Michael Mabbott & Lucah Rosenberg-Lee
“From invitations to perform across the US and Canada, at the precipice of huge fame and undoubted success, 1960s R&B soul singer Jackie Shane disappeared from the spotlight. But why? … Hot off its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, this documentary — executive produced by Elliot Page — takes on the investigation to reveal a Black transwoman who prioritized her authenticity above all else and will continue to inspire trans folks to live their truths loudly.” [Source]
Tasting: Budget-Friendly Epicurean Delights from Our Neighborhood Farmers Market (Platia Attikis on Alkamenous Street) in Athens, Greece!
All of this fresh organic food was only 10€! (That’s $11.26!) — apricots, cherries, tomatoes, lemons, asparagus, mint, a loaf of bread and a dozen eggs!
The tomatoes were joined by some delectable feta cheese (from the deli around the corner) and a mix of olives from last week’s market shopping (6€ for over 100 kalamata olives!), plus good Greek olive oil & balsamic, to make a healthy Greek salad:
At one of the amazing seafood market stalls, Ryan Wildstar bought 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) of beautiful jumbo shrimp (fresh from the Mediterranean!) for just 12€ and made this delicious shrimp & asparagus frittata:
Also, our friendly new neighbor stopped by after smelling Ryan’s cooking:
So that’s it for this week! But we’d like to end with this week’s words of wisdom, a quotation from philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch:
This Week’s Words of Wisdom: Iris Murdoch (1919 - 1999)
Thank you for joining us for Season 3 of Aesthetic Arrest!
Cheers to that!
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