The Art of and Not Being Ruled

Dawn of Reason: A Dialogue Across Time

Agitated Animals By Evelina Kostas

Percy Wyndham Lewis's critique of materialism and modern life, as presented in his book "The Art of Being Ruled."

Critique of Materialism: Lewis was deeply concerned about the growing materialism in society. He saw a world increasingly obsessed with wealth, physical possessions, and consumerism. In his view, this materialistic culture was not only superficial but also detrimental to the development of meaningful human values and intellectual pursuits. He argued that materialism led to a shallow understanding of life, where the pursuit of possessions overshadowed deeper cultural and philosophical considerations.

Impact on Culture and Art: As an artist and writer, Lewis was particularly critical of how this materialism affected culture and art. He believed that true art should transcend the commercial and the mundane. In an era where art was becoming more commercialized and mass-produced, Lewis feared that the unique, challenging, and thought-provoking aspects of art were being lost. He argued for an art that was independent, intellectually rigorous, and not merely a product for consumption.

Superficiality of Modern Life: Lewis's critique extended to what he perceived as the superficial nature of modern life. This included not just material possessions, but also the social interactions and values that he saw as increasingly dominated by surface-level concerns. He was critical of a society that valued appearances and social status over depth and authenticity.

Decline in Intellectual Pursuits: Central to Lewis's critique was the idea that materialism and superficiality were leading to a decline in serious intellectual and cultural pursuits. He believed that as society became more focused on material wealth and less on intellectual and cultural enrichment, there would be a decline in the quality and depth of cultural and intellectual life.

Longing for Deeper Meaning: Throughout his critique, Lewis expressed a longing for a society that valued deeper meanings and pursuits. He advocated for a return to more substantial cultural and intellectual engagement, where individuals would seek beyond the material and superficial, engaging with complex ideas, challenging art, and meaningful cultural practices.

"The Art of Being Ruled" is a manifestation of Lewis's broader worldview, where he frequently challenged the status quo and advocated for a more intellectually rigorous and culturally rich society. His critique of materialism and modern life reflects his concern for the direction in which he saw Western society heading in the early 20th century.

Indoctrination Camp Psychosis - By Evelina Kostas

Dawn of Reason: A Dialogue Across Time Lewis: "If so the world, in madness now unspun, If so the masses, under setting sun. If so the psyche, in formation lost, Where reason’s ice, by heated follies frost." Evelina: "If so the dawn, where new horizons wake, Amidst the chaos, a clearer path we make. If so the minds, once clouded, now see clear, In wisdom’s light, the shadows disappear." Lewis: "If so the love, and hatred, for the fool, A duality, in modern’s rule. If so the wise, in silent thought recline, Watching the dance of reason’s steep decline." Evelina: "If so the hearts, that beat with purpose true, Against the follies, they once blindly knew. If so the voices, rising from the night, In harmonious chorus, for what is right." Lewis: "If so the world, where madness wears the crown, And intellect, in shadow, cast deep down. If so our course, where sanity seems rare, A ship of fools, in disarray, despair." Evelina: "If so the strength, from deep within is found, In every soul, where once despair was crowned. If so the world, reborn from its own ash, With renewed spirit, and a hopeful dash." Lewis: "If so the man, and woman, in this play, Acting the parts, in tragic disarray. If so the wisdom, Lewis once did see, In modern guise, still rings, alarmingly." Evelina: "If so the journey, from the depths we rise, To meet the challenges, under open skies. If so the future, in our hands to mold, With tales of courage, and of valor bold.

Deny the Chaos - By Evelina Kostas

Explanation of the Poem:

"Dawn of Reason: A Dialogue Across Time" is a unique poetic conversation that bridges the gap between two eras, two minds, and two perspectives. On one side, there is Percy Wyndham Lewis, a profound critic of early 20th-century society, whose work often dwelled on the themes of societal chaos and the loss of rational thought. On the other, we have the Evelina Kostas, a modern 'Quantum Artist,' who responds to Lewis with a vision of hope and regeneration.

The poem opens with Lewis depicting a world unraveling at the seams — a society where reason is overshadowed by 'heated follies.' His verses paint a picture of a world in decline, characterized by confusion and a loss of direction. This portrayal resonates with his often stark and critical view of the societal structures and the collective psyche of his time.

Evelina, with a voice of the future, responds not by denying the chaos but by envisioning a path through it. Her verses speak of a new dawn, where clarity emerges from the tumult. She represents a more optimistic view, suggesting that within the chaos lies the potential for transformation and enlightenment. Her perspective is imbued with a belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collective will to forge a new, more hopeful future.

As the poem progresses, the interplay between Lewis's critique and Evelina's optimism unfolds in a rhythmic dance of despair and hope, shadow and light. Lewis's verses reflect the disillusionment and skepticism of an era riddled with war and social upheaval, while Evelina's responses offer a counterpoint, proposing that wisdom and purpose can emerge from the depths of despair.

"Dawn of Reason: A Dialogue Across Time" is not just a mere juxtaposition of two opposing views. It's a conversation that transcends time, connecting the historical critiques of Lewis with the contemporary perspectives of Evelina. It's a poetic exploration of the cyclical nature of society's struggles and triumphs, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there exists the possibility for renewal and change.

This poem, thus, serves as a metaphorical bridge, linking past and present, and inviting readers to reflect on the enduring challenges and potentials of the human condition. It's a testament to the power of dialogue and the enduring relevance of art as a medium for understanding and navigating the complexities of our world.

Home is where the Art is by Evelina Kostas

Evelina's Koan: "The Quantum Canvas"

In a room where time folds upon itself, there lies a canvas – blank and infinite. The artist approaches, holding a brush dipped in the colors of existence. She pauses, her brush hovering, and asks:

"If a stroke is made on this quantum canvas, capturing both the presence and absence of color, what painting does the observer see?"

The canvas awaits, untouched yet ever-changing, its potential boundless. In the stillness, the artist whispers:

"Is the art in the stroke, the canvas, or the eyes that perceive it?"

This koan invites contemplation on the nature of reality, perception, and creation. It questions the observer's role in defining existence and art, hinting at the interconnectedness of all things and the subjective nature of experience. Evelina uses the metaphor of a quantum canvas to suggest that reality, like art, is a co-creation between the observer and the observed, ever-fluid and open to infinite possibilities.