I anticipate our discussion tonight on the role of popular culture, according to the work of Theodor Adorno.  Adorno lived in the mid 20th century and was of the opinion that pop culture was exploitative, depriving it’s consumers of genuine aesthetic enjoyment.  Even worse the externalized consequences, — a less than healthy, robust and free development of character and sense of self. 

Naturally movies and pop music are much discussed in the vein of observing the relationship of “low” art to commercial interests.  Rock n Roll has transformed into a multitude of musical styles that are global in popularity.  Cinema must be one of the most consumed forms of “art” by the average citizen, irrespective of where they live.

I was thinking of the relationship between art and the commercial dimension.  Life demands energy.  The exchange of service and goods, is a given.  There is no possibility of a separation, a conception of art that is uncontaminated by commerce. 

Adorno’s critique of popular culture is perhaps too easy, especially if it is motivated by a quest for an ideal of culture/art that is pure, un-mixed with commercial interests.

I sat in Starbucks over the weekend and noticed a holiday wreath that tastefully graced a wall.  The wreath was constructed using paper coffee cups to form the circular shape.   The creator of the wreath said that she saw an image on her screen, and said to herself, “I can do that.”  Thus in the workplace, an artifact of celebration shows the joy that can be found in the activities of work, and among the relationships that obtain in the work place.  Pop art?

You bet!