Reason of Ars

[Ace Art Academy 0012]
Art’s True Value Redefined: The Implications of NFT Art in an Algorithmic Society
Summary:The current landscape of art appreciation and its valuation is deeply intertwined with the widespread use of smartphones, the restructuring of our information environment through algorithms, and the speculative bubble associated with NFT (Non-Fungible Token) art. The author argues that this is no longer a confined issue about "art in a museum," but a multifaceted problem where technology, capitalism, changing human subjectivity, and a crisis in cultural imagination intersect.
The NFT art market, which saw billions of dollars in trading volume around 2021, experienced a massive collapse, shrinking by over 90% in subsequent years. This phenomenon highlighted that the value of NFT art was largely driven by artificial scarcity and speculative financial expectations, rather than artistic merit or the traditional roles of art as objects for appreciation, interpretation, and dialogue. The value was determined by the expectation that someone else would buy it for a higher price in the future.
This stands in stark contrast to the conceptual art movement of the 1960s, which emphasized ideas and concepts over physical form, advocating for the "dematerialization" of art. Ironically, although digital images and data are easily replicable, NFTs introduce an artificial scarcity on the blockchain, creating a "pseudo-materiality" or "pseudo-aura." This demonstrates how a concept-driven approach can be reorganized into a speculative commodity when combined with capitalist notions of scarcity.
Furthermore, the rise and fall of NFT art reflect how art appreciation is now fundamentally linked to our daily information environment. Smartphones and personalization algorithms tailor visual experiences to individual tastes, creating filter bubbles and echo chambers. By prioritizing content based on search history and engagement, algorithms create closed loops that repeatedly present what users already like, transforming smartphones from "windows to a diverse world" into devices that project an "extension of the self."
This structure has profound implications for how we experience art. Traditionally, encountering art involved engaging with "otherness"—something beyond one's existing framework—which served as a catalyst for updating one's self-understanding and worldview. However, in an algorithm-driven environment, users are prioritized "art they might like," "art with high social media engagement," and "easily understandable and relatable art." As a result, viewers tend to favor works within their comfort zones, avoiding the friction and otherness that art traditionally provides. The author warns that this trend risks transforming art appreciation from an experience that prompts self-transformation into one that merely provides repetitive pleasure by confirming existing tastes.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Medium / Substack.
note:https://note.com/novoweimar/n/nf6b6b091508f?magazine_key=m31429223b85b
 
Substack:
https://aceartacademy.substack.com/p/what-is-the-value-of-art
 

[Smoke Stings Studio 0011]
Jazz & Catholicity: Gold Born from the Deficiency and Hybridity of New Orleans
Summary:This article explores the origins of jazz through the unique cultural framework of New Orleans, characterizing it as a product of "Catholicity." Rather than referring strictly to religious doctrine, "Catholicity" here denotes a cultural mindset and imagination that accepts human deficiency, contradiction, and deviation as fundamental traits of existence.
New Orleans developed as a diverse port city where French, Spanish, Anglo-American, African, Caribbean, and Creole cultures intersected, making a pure, mono-cultural identity impossible. In contrast to Protestant ethics that emphasize strict self-control and moral consistency, the city's "Catholicity"—deeply influenced by institutional cycles of sin, confession, and festivals like Mardi Gras—embraced human fallibility and created a social fabric that allowed for constant "restarting" and coexistence.
Jazz’s improvisational nature musically embodies this ethos. Instead of presenting a flawless, completed piece, imperfect players throw unstable or incomplete phrases to one another, prioritizing responsiveness and mutual support over rigid correctness. Additionally, marginalized spaces of pleasure like the red-light district of Storyville served as vital sanctuaries where suppressed groups (Black people, Creoles, and impoverished musicians) could validate their physicality and desires, cultivating jazz away from the dominant moral order.
Ultimately, jazz is an artistic crystallization of a city culture that flips human imperfection and hybridity into a catalyst for creativity, providing a powerful collaborative model for modern multicultural societies.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
note:https://note.com/smokestings/n/ndb647bb0a51f
 
Substack:https://smokestings.substack.com/p/jazz-the-gold-born-from-new-orleans
 
 

[Ace Art Academy 0011]
Originality Modern Art: Originality and the Contemporary Nature of the Creative Act
Recent controversies in Japan surrounding tracing and AI-generated art have reignited fundamental debates about authorship, originality, and the ethics of creation. A strict public norm dictates that art must be created entirely by the artist from scratch. However, from an art historical perspective, this belief is a highly limited modern concept that often contradicts the reality of how art has traditionally been produced.
Before the modern era, solitary manual creation was not the standard. Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael often designed compositions while leaving the physical painting and detailing to their apprentices. Similarly, traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e prints by famous artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige were produced through a collaborative division of labor involving painters, carvers, and printers. The current obsession with an artist completing every step of a work is rooted in a romanticized, modern notion of the solitary genius rather than historical fact.
In the 20th century, conceptual and pop art actively challenged this modern myth. Andy Warhol utilized assistants to mass-produce silkscreens at his Factory, dismantling the idea that value comes solely from the artist's physical touch. Conceptual artists further separated authorship from execution by arguing that the core of art is the idea, which can be physically realized by others. This led to the recognition of delegated authorship, where the true artist is the one who conceptualizes and directs the work.
Despite these theoretical advancements, contemporary Japanese popular culture still closely associates manual drawing with sincerity, effort, and moral integrity. The romanticized image of manga artists working tirelessly shapes the public's ethical standards. Consequently, using AI or tracing is instinctively viewed as lazy or dishonest, which easily triggers fierce public backlash when combined with copyright and ethical concerns.
The article concludes that society must stop viewing creation as the isolated self-expression of a genius. Instead, it should be understood as a complex network of relationships involving various people, materials, and technologies. In the case of AI generation, a single image involves the original data creators, algorithm developers, and platform operators. In contemporary art production, authorship is no longer just about who physically moves their hands, but rather about who takes responsibility, makes decisions, and designs the process within this interconnected system.
note:https://note.com/novoweimar/n/n3c09691f8a3d?magazine_key=m31429223b85b
 
Substack:
https://aceartacademy.substack.com/p/originality-and-the-contemporary
 

[Smoke Stings Studio 0010]
The Secret of the Light Groove: Commonality between Earl Klugh, João Gilberto, and Hawaiian Music
The article explores how certain musical styles derive from African rhythmic traditions but transform them into something distinct—replacing "massive, festive energy" with "lightness and lyricism."
Key points:
Redefining African Rhythms:While most African-influenced music (like Hip-hop, Afrobeat, or Afro-Cuban) focuses on high-pressure sound and powerful grooves designed for intense dancing, some artists use the same rhythmic vocabulary to create a much softer, more intimate atmosphere.
Earl Klugh and the Nylon-String Guitar:The author highlights Earl Klugh as a prime example. Although his music is rooted in R&B and Jazz grooves, his use of the nylon-string guitar shifts the focus from heavy beats to sweet, melodic storytelling. The "blackness" of the rhythm is delegated to the backing arrangement, allowing the guitar to sing like a human voice.
João Gilberto and Bossa Nova:This approach is compared to João Gilberto’s Bossa Nova. Gilberto distilled the massive percussion-heavy sound of Brazilian Samba into a minimalist polyrhythm played on a single guitar. He retained the core physicality of Samba but discarded its explosive festivity in favor of an introspective, stylish "light trance."
Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar:Hawaiian music, particularly Slack-Key guitar, follows a similar path. Using open tunings and fingerpicking, it creates a soft groove that leads the listener into a state of gentle immersion. The rhythm isn't heavy; instead, it offers a "trance with lightness" that reflects Hawaii’s unique worldview.
Analogy with Lo-fi Hip-hop:The author draws a modern parallel with the relationship between Hip-hop and Lo-fi Hip-hop. Lo-fi Hip-hop maintains the structural beats of Black music but rounds off the edges and lowers the aggression to create a groove that blends into daily life as background music.
Conclusion:The common thread between these diverse styles is the deliberate stripping away of "festive massiveness" to reorganize African rhythmic foundations into a "light groove for daily life and lyricism." They demonstrate how the same rhythmic origins can be repurposed for different cultural needs—be it introspection, style, or quiet domesticity.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
 
note:
https://note.com/smokestings/n/n9b4a72c0320f
 
Substack:
https://smokestings.substack.com/p/the-common-threads-between-r-crew

[Ace Art Academy 0010]
Illusion of the Now: The Meaning and Evolution of Contemporary Art
Summary
The discourse surrounding the term Contemporary Art is not merely a matter of terminology but a fundamental theoretical issue that questions the very premises of art history. Rooted in the legacy of Marcel Duchamp's readymades, such as his 1917 work Fountain, this movement historically shifted the essence of art away from physical materials and traditional techniques toward abstract concepts and ideas. Because this conceptual lineage is now over a century old, the label Contemporary Art has ironically lost its actual contemporaneity. It is gradually turning into a fixed, historical, and classical category rather than representing the cutting edge of the present.
This situation closely mirrors the historical trajectory of the avant-garde movement. Originally, the avant-garde was defined by its radical mission to dismantle existing artistic institutions and confidently lead the way into the future. However, as postwar capitalism matured in the late twentieth century, this radicalism was entirely absorbed by the very institutions it opposed. Consequently, the avant-garde was reduced to a standardized genre actively commercialized by museums and art markets, rendering it nearly obsolete as a term of critical rebellion.
Contemporary Art is currently experiencing a very similar structural fate. A term that once broadly signified art currently in progress has now been rigidly codified as a specific style defined by the museum system and the commercial art market. Because of this institutionalization, the term has become increasingly inadequate for capturing new, innovative practices that emerge outside of these established frameworks.
In response to this limitation, terms like post-contemporary art have surfaced. Yet, much like post-modern or post-human, the prefix post inherently relies on the very concept it attempts to move beyond. By defining the new era strictly in relation to what came before, the term post-contemporary essentially guarantees that the established framework of Contemporary Art remains the primary standard of reference. Furthermore, this terminology suggests a linear, predictable, and continuous historical progression. By assuming that the current institutional structures will persist indefinitely into the future, this conceptual framing ultimately restricts the expansive possibilities and fundamental freedom of future artistic expression.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Medium / Substack.
note:
https://note.com/novoweimar/n/nd5d936b5e7ad?magazine_key=m31429223b85b
 
Substack:
https://aceartacademy.substack.com/p/the-meaning-and-evolution-of-contemporary
 

[Smoke Stings Studio 0009]
Music as Spells — The Religious Origins of Children's Songs and Musical Instruments
This article explores the origins of music—specifically children's songs (nursery rhymes) and instrumental music—not as mere entertainment or artistic expression, but as activities rooted in magical and religious functions.
1. Children’s Songs as Ritualistic IncantationsThe author argues that nursery rhymes and folk songs transmitted through oral tradition function similarly to religious chants, mantras, or "spells." In these songs, the literal meaning is often less important than the rhythm, repetition, and physical sensation of chanting. By sharing these sounds and rhythms in a group (often accompanied by hand-play or circle games), children enter a "sacred" space distinct from everyday life. These songs act as a "micro-ritual" that alters consciousness and defines the boundaries of a community.
2. Instruments as Sacred ToolsThe creation of musical instruments is also highlighted as a highly symbolic act. Throughout history, humans have dedicated precious resources (bones, wood, skins) to create tools that produce sound rather than aiding direct survival. This suggests that instruments were originally "ritual objects" embedded with a society's myths and totems. In many cultures, instruments like drums or flutes are seen as mediums to summon spirits or open paths to other worlds, acting as extensions of the body to communicate with the divine.
3. Conclusion: The Underlying "Magic" of MusicThe article concludes that both vocal nursery rhymes and instrumental music share a common origin in ritualistic practice. While modern music is often treated as a commodity or entertainment, its deep-seated nature remains an "act to change something"—a technique to transform one’s relationship with the world or state of mind. Re-examining these magical origins allows for a deeper understanding of the fundamental connection between music and humanity.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
 
note:
https://note.com/smokestings/n/nc463bbeffe28
 
Substack:
https://smokestings.substack.com/p/music-as-a-spell
 
 

[Ace Art Academy 0009]
The Fall of Mixed Media: Critical Perspectives on Mixed Media Expression in Contemporary Art
Summary:The article examines the evolution and current challenges of mixed media in contemporary art, arguing that its original radicality and critical edge have been diminished by mass production and commercialization.
Historically, in the 20th century, combining non-artistic materials like newspapers and everyday objects served as a powerful critique of traditional art concepts, challenging institutional boundaries and redefining what could be considered art. However, in the 21st century, advancements in technology and material distribution have made mixing mediums a standard practice, causing it to lose its initial novelty.
Today, many mixed media works replicate formal techniques like layering textures or collage without deep conceptual or social context. Elements like history, politics, or memory are often reduced to decorative motifs, resulting in superficial art tailored for the commercial market. The art market and social media trends further encourage artists to repeat successful formulas for visual appeal rather than critical substance.
Additionally, the article points out significant conservation issues. Merging materials with distinct physical and chemical properties makes these artworks highly susceptible to deterioration, warping, and discoloration. Because many contemporary artists lack a long-term perspective on preservation science, the sustainability of these works as historical and cultural heritage remains highly vulnerable.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
note:https://note.com/novoweimar/n/n81b69551266f?magazine_key=m31429223b85b
 
Substack:https://aceartacademy.substack.com/p/characteristics-of-mixed-media-expression
 
 

[Smoke Stings Studio 0008]
AOR, City Pop, and Genre Concepts in the AI Era
This article explores the evolving relationship between the music genres AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) and City Pop, and how the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our understanding of musical genres.
1. Historical Context and Cultural FramingAOR: Originally a pragmatic label from the U.S. radio and record industry in the 1970s and 80s, referring to sophisticated, album-oriented soft rock for adults (e.g., TOTO, Boz Scaggs). In Japan, it has long been treated as a Western "imported" genre.
City Pop: A term retrospectively applied to Japanese urban pop from the same era. While it shares musical characteristics with AOR (jazz/fusion-derived chords, polished studio production), it was traditionally categorized by its Japanese origin.
The Shift: Since the 2010s, global interest via streaming and YouTube has rebranded Japanese City Pop as a distinct international genre. The distinction between the two has relied more on cultural framing (nationality and historical context) than on purely musical differences.
2. The Impact of Generative AIDissolution of Nationality: AI generates music based on statistical patterns of "style signs" rather than a musician's background or physical location. For AI, "nationality" is merely a metadata tag or a prompt, making traditional distinctions between Japanese City Pop and Western AOR increasingly fluid.
Hybridization: AI can seamlessly blend AOR chord progressions with City Pop beats and Lo-fi Hip-Hop textures. In this environment, the binary choice of "AOR or City Pop" becomes less relevant than the specific mix of stylistic elements.
Redefining Genres: The author suggests that genres are shifting from single labels to "clusters of tags" (e.g., "1980s," "Urban," "Soft Rock"). Nationality is becoming metadata regarding how music is consumed by a community, rather than an inherent property of the music itself.
3. Future PerspectivesSynthetic Aesthetics: The "unnaturalness" or "excessive nostalgia" found in AI-generated City Pop may eventually be embraced as a new aesthetic, similar to how Vaporwave turned "glitches" into a style. Terms like "Synthetic City Pop" or "AI AOR" might emerge.
Conclusion: The relationship between AOR and City Pop is a case study for how musical genres are being reorganized. In the AI era, the meaning of music is defined not just by its sound, but by its connection to narratives, visual images, and platform algorithms.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
 
note:
https://note.com/smokestings/n/n3351a315622e
 
Substack:
https://smokestings.substack.com/p/aor-city-pop-and-the-concept-of-genres
 

[Ace Art Academy 0008]
Painting vs Illustration: The Conceptual Difference Between Painting and Illustration
Summary:The article explores the distinct historical evolutions and conceptual differences between painting and illustration as two major forms of visual expression.
Painting is established as an autonomous art form centered on the artist's internal expression and aesthetic exploration. While it initially served as a medium for religious and historical narratives under the patronage of the church or wealthy elites, the development of perspective and anatomy during the Renaissance elevated it into an independent artistic discipline. Over time, especially through movements like Impressionism and abstract art, painting shifted its focus from realistically depicting external subjects to the act of expression itself. Modern painting prioritizes how a work is expressed over what functional information it conveys, allowing the meaning to remain open to diverse interpretations by the viewer.
On the other hand, illustration is defined by its functional purpose to clarify and illuminate text or concepts, originating from the Latin word illustrare. Its emergence as a professional and independent field was catalyzed by technological advancements, starting with Gutenberg's printing press in the 15th century, which allowed visual prints to be integrated with text for a mass audience. The rise of newspapers and magazines in the 18th and 19th centuries solidified illustration as a distinct profession. In the 20th and 21st centuries, driven by the growth of the advertising industry and digital technology, the scope of illustration has expanded into strategic visual communication, including infographics, user interface design, and data visualization.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
note:https://note.com/novoweimar/n/n2e7abfb7f784?magazine_key=m31429223b85b
 
Substack:https://aceartacademy.substack.com/p/the-difference-between-the-concepts
 
 

[Smoke Stings Studio 0007]
Music Discovery's Power Shift: Music Classification and Democratization in the Era of the Listener
This article explores the structural shift in music culture from a producer-centric model to a listener-centric one, driven by digital streaming and AI.
1. From Industry Standards to Listener ExperienceHistorically, music classification (genres like jazz or rock) and technical standards (pitch, frequency) were established by producers and the music industry for efficiency and market organization. However, in the digital age, music is increasingly categorized by the listener’s context—such as mood, time of day, or specific activities (e.g., "chill," "night drive," "focus")—rather than traditional genres.
2. The Democratization of MusicThe shift is described as a "democratization" because listeners now play an active role in defining the meaning and placement of music through playlists and social sharing. Metadata is no longer just about the artist; it now includes algorithmic data on how, when, and in what mood a song is consumed.
3. The Paradox of Digital PlatformsWhile listeners have more agency, this democratization is paradoxical. Data generated by users is aggregated by large platforms to fuel recommendation algorithms. Thus, while the starting point of classification has moved to the listener, the ultimate visibility of music is still governed by corporate logic and algorithmic systems, creating new hierarchies.
4. The Impact of AI and the Future of ValueThe rise of AI-generated music further lowers the barrier to music production, making it possible for anyone to create professional-sounding tracks. However, as the volume of music explodes, the value of music shifts away from technical "craftmanship" toward context, storytelling, and emotional fit. The listener’s subjective experience and the communities they belong to become the primary criteria for musical value.
ConclusionModern music culture is undergoing a repositioning where traditional industry standards are being replaced by the physical and emotional sensations of the listener as the new benchmark for classification and value.
[note]
This episode was originally created by using NotebookLM’s automated generation feature to adapt an article originally published on note / Substack.
note:https://note.com/smokestings/n/n7afac5bb913d
 
Substack:https://smokestings.substack.com/p/music-classification-and-democratization