The unique current of Neo-Traditionalism, lends itself to a wealth of individualist modifications, touching the ontological essence of art, a way of taking responsibility in the wake of a self propelled existence manifested in traditional culture sustained in meta textual structures expressed specifically as depressive with relation to the expenditure of time, borne as hostile and dangerous with regard to the essence of the elusive and never grasped, since the compressed language can grasp the aim only in morphological syncretism.

Whew…Now that you are duly assured of our facility to demonstrate a text in curatorspeak, let us, for the sake of change, express ourselves clearly and as human beings. As is said, facile vero iucunda loqui.(1) The issue is as such that artists are in a terrible condition if not to say a tragic condition. For thousands of years we artists were an integral and essential part of society and we have ceased to be that.

In truth, we are of no consequence and we are not needed. Need convincing? Let us suppose that artists were to go on strike (for whatever reason, and as might occur in any developed country where percentages of construction budgets for public buildings are allocated for artistic contribution such as mosaics, frescoes, stained glass displays etc.) For the sake of comparison: demands from plumbers engaged in like public projects would be met within five days; demands of dockworkers- within a week; demands from medical doctors and public service workers- maybe a bit more time than others; but there is no one who would pay heed to a striking artist, and rightly so. Society does not need artists.

Consider Susan Sontag's exemplary statements "Times of collective enlightenment have passed peacefully and remained in the past: as of today, all the great minds, as well as the dead endorsements, the foolish and wise — one way or another, have already spoken and spoken." (2) True and firm words. The waves from the tsunami following the revolutionary art movements at the turn of the previous century have passed us by and left us the postmodern mud of worm eaten carcasses. Yes, all those who refer to themselves as: neo, post, or new.

What then, if it is so, can be done? After all the needs of society demand new products on a monthly basis, and from where will such material come? We have already sliced open the belly of the shark and have exposed Ciccolina. We now find ourselves like street walkers trying any trick to gain attention (interesting to note why it is illegal to sell one's body, but one's soul may be sold without limit or hesitation- just a musing digression). Still, do not shame us for our fervent debasement because we ultimately wish to be, simply to be useful.

But how do we secure that? How? Truthfully, the formula is quite simple: in our eyes, forming a band, excuse me, a group was always easier than to set out alone.  Any such group must retain a manifest. This manifest proclaims urbis et orbis (3) the emergence of this new stream as unlike any before it (or almost as unlike any other before it).

So said, we now turn to Neo-Traditonalism, the scholarship of which we used to form this text. What will happen if we appeal to the emotions or feelings? What if we name our new venture Neo-Sentimentalism? It does seem that there is a memory of this tradition in literature, even in the plastic arts, although not fully. This is the opportunity to grab the golden ring.  On approach the issue is this: we have considered and debated and have come to the consensus that 'neo' is corny, 'post' is passe and with regard to 'new', between us, this venture is not at all new! No not at all, although, so as to say yes (also maybe no?) Our statement must be radical! It must stand for all time. Therefore, we hereby celebrate the emergence of the new and ultimate trend Neopostism.

Neopostism, both neo and post simultaneously, manages to embrace all that will happen in the past and that which has already happened in the future. Neopostism is as universal as a food processor, as comfortable to use as well worn shoes, and as elegant as a Rolls Royce (or a Steinway, as you like).

The Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset brought to light an idea in his time, that a thinker is only a thinker if he confronts the era in which he lives. But it too must update itself to the times. We perfectly confront our times in that we do not confront our times. . Not a bad thought, right? In short: Welcome to the club!

With blessings,
Sasha Okun

1. (Facile vera iucunda Loqui) How nice to speak honestly.

2. Susan Sontag, Thinking Against Oneself: Reflections on Cioran.

3. (Urbis et orbis) To the city (Rome) and the world.

From the exibition 'Neopostizm? Neosent?' (9.12.2021 - 28.12.2022) Agripas 12 Gallery, Jerusalem, Photo: Michael Amar