A Company of Authors: Alexander Nemerov | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video discusses a book titled "Silent Dialogues" which explores the artistic connection between poet Howard Nemerov and photographer Diane Arbus.

Key Insights

• 📔 The book "Silent Dialogues" explores the artistic bond between poet and photographer.
• 🥺 The author's personal connection to both figures has led to a deeper understanding of their impact.
• 👪 The photograph "Identical Twins" remained neglected while a landscape painting took prominence in the author's childhood home.
• 🛟 The book serves as a means for the author to engage in their own silent dialogues with Howard Nemerov and Diane Arbus.
• 🥰 The author emphasizes the unapologetic and fearless regard for art that both Nemerov and Arbus possessed.
• 🧑‍🎨 Both Nemerov and Arbus believed in a "religion of art" and the power of artists to reveal the world's true nature.
• 🥰 The book "Silent Dialogues" is described as a beautiful and profound exploration of art and its influence on the author's life and work.

Transcript

this program is brought to you by the Stanford Humanities Center for more information please visit us at SH C dot stanford.edu the author of this book silent dialogues which is about the artistic relationship between my father the poet Howard namirov and his sister Diane Arbus yeah it's been in a way it's been a long time coming this book the brief... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main focus of the book "Silent Dialogues"?

The book delves into the artistic relationship between poet Howard Nemerov and photographer Diane Arbus.

Q: How did the author's father, Howard Nemerov, view his sister Diane Arbus?

The author's father didn't speak much about Diane Arbus and appeared to have estranged her from his mind.

Q: How was the photograph "Identical Twins" by Diane Arbus treated by the author's father?

The photograph was never framed or displayed but kept in a drawer in the living room, where it suffered damage over time.

Q: What significance does art play in the author's life?

The author has learned from Howard Nemerov and Diane Arbus the importance of fearless regard for art and the belief that it reveals the world as it truly is.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker has written a book called "Silent Dialogues" about the relationship between Howard Nemerov and Diane Arbus.

• The book was initially a lecture that the author gave to their students and later turned into a book after encouragement from a gallerist.

• The author reflects on their personal connection to both figures and their profound impact on their own artistic pursuits.