“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: Ameztoi Txakoli (Getariako Txakolina, Spain)
Reading: So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro de Robertis
“Award-winning novelist Caro De Robertis offers a first-of-its-kind, deeply personal, and moving oral history of a generation of queer and trans elders of color, from leading activists to artists to ordinary citizens to tell their stories of breathtaking courage, cultural innovations, and acts of resistance, all in their own words. … The anecdotes in these pages are riveting, joyful, heartbreaking—so full of life and personality and wisdom, and artfully woven together into one immersive narrative. In De Robertis’s words, So Many Stars shares ‘behind-the-scenes tales of what it meant—and still means—to create an authentic life, against the odds.’” [Source]
“Trans rights and trans stories are under attack in the United States. De Robertis’ book is an antidote to the despair this causes and an act of resistance in itself.” — ALTA
“The true definition of family”: Queer BIPOC elders reveal chosen bonds in new oral history (via Queerty)
Listening: The Painful Truth by Skunk Anansie
“Skunk Anansie are back with their seventh studio album, and first in nine years, The Painful Truth. Whether you are a new fan, or a seasoned follower of the band, who have been a major part of the UK music scene for nearly 30 years, this album is one not to miss. ... Since 1994, Skunk Anansie have been bringing their unique mix of rock and punk influences, with reggae beats. Skin’s powerful, wide-ranging voice, coupled with the oft heavy but always necessary lyrics, shows exactly why she is a crucial role model for current and future generations of black women, and singers everywhere.” [Source: Lou Viner at Out of Rage]
Official Site of Skunk Anansie / Official Store / Current Tour Dates!
“I always had this strong belief: ‘If you do a great album, everything changes…’” How Skunk Anansie forged their dazzling future (via Kerrang!)
REVIEW: Skunk Anansie - The Painful Truth (via Out of Rage)
Looking: The Art of Paola Grizi
“Italian sculptor Paola Grizi has spent her entire life immersed in the art world. As the granddaughter of a well known Italian painter and sculptor and the niece of a ceramicist, her creativity was fostered from a young age. This has translated into a successful career as an artist, where she is particularly known for her unique terracotta and bronze sculptures. For many years Grizi has produced incredible sculptures of faces that seem to emerge from the pages of books. Whether sculpted in terracotta or cast in bronze, she subtly manipulates the compositions to evoke emotion.” [Source]
Official Site of Paola Grizi / Instagram / Works for Sale (via Artsy)
Paola Grizi Adds New Meaning to ‘Literary Figures’ in Emotive Bronze Sculptures (via Colossal)
Pensive Faces Peer Out From the Pages of Bronze Book Sculptures by Paola Grizi (via Colossal)
Viewing: Pee-wee as Himself — docuseries about Paul Reubens (best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman), directed by Matt Wolf (HBO & HBO Max)
“Driven by a soul-baring interview with Paul Reubens, the man behind the iconic character Pee-wee Herman, Pee-wee as Himself is a two-part portrait of the comedic performer. Determined to tell the factual story of his life, Reubens discusses his influences, origins in the circus and avant-garde performance theater, iconic career, and decision to sever his beloved alter ego from his authentic self.” [Source]
Once you’ve finished watching the documentary, have a look at this campy pop culture gem from 1988, Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special, recently restored in HD! Special guests include: Grace Jones, k.d. lang, Little Richard, Joan Rivers, Dinah Shore, Charo, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Whoopi Goldberg, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Magic Johnson & Oprah Winfrey! Watch for free via Youtube:
Tasting: Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain (Plus our memories of eating at Arzak Restaurant in San Sebastian and meeting iconic Chefs Elena Arzak & Juan Mari Arzak!)
“In 1603, Eva Longoria’s ancestor Lorenzo Longoria left Spain at only 11 years old, bound for a new life in the Americas. Now over 400 years later, Eva returns to her homeland to explore her rich heritage. ... In 1975, after 40 years of dictatorship, Spain awoke from the cold nightmare of fascist rule. In the years that followed, the country opened its doors to influences across Europe and around the globe, sparking a burst of culinary creativity which continues to flourish to this day. From farmers to fishermen, producers and chefs, a culinary revolution swept the peninsula, creating a wealth of innovative techniques, new dishes and the reinvention of old classics.” [Source]
So that’s it for this week! But we’d like to end with this week’s words of wisdom, a quotation from the seminal poet and activist, Allen Ginsberg, who was born 101 years ago yesterday!
This Week’s Words of Wisdom: Allen Ginsberg (June 3, 1926 - April 5, 1997)
Thank you for joining us for Season 3 of Aesthetic Arrest!
We’re going on a short podcast hiatus, but don’t forget to visit our Substack over the next few weeks, where we’ll be posting our Pride Month Summer Reading List as well as an annual tradition, Our Favorite New Albums of 2025 (So far!).
Then stay tuned for Season 4 — coming soon in July!
Cheers to that!
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