Reflections on art and architecture by TIME critic Richard Lacayo.

The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing

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Untitled, #696-05, Richard Misrach, 2005/FRAENKEL GALLERY, PACE/MacGILL, MARC SELWYN FINE ARTS

Criticizing things for a living, it gets strenuous. Even critics need a vacation. So this critic is taking off the next three weeks to vacate. Back on Monday August 18.

Meanwhile, if you have some free time of your own, you can check out the first examples of the new series of short films that the American Institute of Architects has on their website, a project connected to the poll they did last year of the 150 favorite American buildings, bridges and so forth.

517-02.jpgUntitled, #517-02, Richard Misrach, 2002 /FRAENKEL GALLERY, PACE/MacGILL, MARC SELWYN FINE ARTS

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    I would presume that doing absolutely nothing does not necessarily mean not doing anything at all – you are just doing thing you wish and in your own special way.

    Non-action (or inaction) is the tenet of Taoism philosophy. Non-action is not to be equated to no action. It implies not doing anything against the law of nature. As long as the action follows the flow of nature, it does not counter the concept of non-action.

    I have been yearning to do absolutely nothing in its modern connotation. It would be blissful in this hectic if not mad world. But I don't know how (let alone what or why).
    (Tan Boon Tee)

  • 2

    I would presume that doing absolutely nothing does not necessarily mean not doing anything at all – you are just doing thing you wish and in your own special way.

    Non-action (or inaction) is the tenet of Taoism philosophy. Non-action is not to be equated to no action. It implies not doing anything against the law of nature. As long as the action follows the flow of nature, it does not counter the concept of non-action.

    I have been yearning to do absolutely nothing in its modern connotation. It would be blissful in this hectic if not mad world. But I don't know how (let alone what or why).
    (Tan Boon Tee)

    http://www.4you4.net/vb/index.php

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