Blank Space charts the rise of a pluralistic monoculture that became synonymous with a liberal establishmentone that exalted inclusivity and commercial success, while taking its own dominance and appeal for granted. . . . Marxs big, categorical statements stand out because hes one of the few people right now willing to make them.
Weve entered a cultural blank spacean era when reboots, rehashes, and fads flourish, while bold artistic experimentation struggles to gain recognition. Why is risk no longer rewarded, and how did playing it safe become the formula for success? Acclaimed cultural historian W. David Marx sets out to uncover the answers.
Post-practice culture The 21st century ideology that practice/expertise is unnecessary (central theme of Blank Space) The Perpetual Present The sense that nothing begins or ends in digital culture Cultural Infrastructure The Death of Cultural Gatekeepers Critics, editors, DJs, and tastemakers (major theme)
new book arguesunconvincinglythat there is a blank space where culture used to be.
Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century, by W. David Marx, is a sweeping argument about our eras bad art, out Nov 18 from Viking.
