The 2016 presidential election year in many ways reflects the way in which reality TV — never at a loss for drama, exhibitionism and outrage — has begun to influence political theater. Political races have always been, to an extent, a dog-and-pony show. But GOP candidate Donald J. Trump's out-sized assertions and foot-in-mouth moments don't …
Continue reading Election Year 2016: The Rise of the Angry Populist — and Why it Matters
There is something attractive about defrocking a figure of faith-and-family-values virtue, particularly one of great commercial success who has endeared himself to an endangered minority: the American middle class. The late Thomas Kinkade, who died of unnamed causes Friday, made an easy target. The self-anointed "painter of light" specialized in idealized scenes hearkening to a more …
Continue reading High Contrast: Thomas Kinkade’s Art, Life & Controversy