Ready-Made (2)

What begun with a wooden merry-go-round is now occupying both teenagers and agile seniors. And it is easy to get lost in this e-world.

But it's not only computers. People are flocking to see movies, hype tunnels have electric traffic signs, people blog and chat and jerk off in front of complete strangers.

What strikes me is that creativity has been totally contained within the industries. And among such terrific competition it is getting increasingly harder to just indulge in some pottery. These products are somehow superior to people merely scribbling or sculpting. Hell - if they're any good - they end up produced. The quality of modern art in this vicious circle is obviously a separate issue.

Perhaps writing is rather specific, but the stress surely must be on the little things we can do to adorn each other's lives. When did you last hear someone is a good conversationalist? Even that is being encroached upon by sitcom conveyor belt routine.

This is the preface to the non-existing book I was asked to write when 22 that kept me busy for a while, which captures an attitude to reading in a metaphor, and exists as a memory to a wonderful afternoon in Prague.

Dear Reader,

I have slapped many a face during the course of my life. I have spat right between those eyes. Now it is my turn to endure these hardships, and I readily do. What I ask of you is to make sure the face you are doing it to is not your own. And do not hesitate to inflict pain. You will, as I have, always find someone worthy of your caresses.