Critics at Large | The New Yorker Episode: The Value—and Limits—of Seeking Comfort in Art Release Date: November 14, 2024

In the enlightening episode titled "The Value—and Limits—of Seeking Comfort in Art," The New Yorker's Critics at Large—Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz—delve deep into the intricate relationship between art and comfort, especially in times of political and social turmoil. This comprehensive discussion explores how art serves as both a sanctuary and a catalyst for engagement, the nuances of escapism, and the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on comforting narratives.

1. Setting the Stage: Art Amidst Upheaval

The episode opens with the trio grappling with the pervasive question, "How did we get here?"—a reflection on the current cultural and political climate post-election. Vincent Cunningham introduces the central theme:

Vincent Cunningham [01:55]: "What can art do for us in moments of great political social upheaval, unreality. Especially in a time where so many people are disaffected, kind of numb, and are for that reason, looking to art to kind of escape the moment instead of engaging more deeply with it."

This sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of art's dual role as both an escape and a means of confronting reality.

2. The Craving for Comfort: Personal Reflections

Naomi Fry shares her personal inclination towards seeking comfort through art, admitting a yearning for escapism amidst anxiety-inducing realities:

Naomi Fry [01:55]: "I feel like I've been really seeking comfort. I would love for art and culture to give me some sort of sense of escapism from the current reality."

Alex Schwartz echoes this sentiment, recounting her retreat into the first season of "The Crown" post-Trump election as a form of escapism:

Alex Schwartz [03:06]: "I think it's hard to answer this question at this juncture."

3. Escapism in Action: Elmo and British Bake Off

The conversation shifts to specific examples of comfort-seeking in contemporary media. Alex describes a poignant Sesame Street video featuring Elmo, which, despite its innocuous appearance, conveys a haunting emptiness:

Alex Schwartz [07:16]: "The caption was. 'Stop scrolling. Take a deep breath and use the next few minutes to escape to a place where the air is sweet.'"

Contrastingly, Naomi highlights the enduring appeal of "The Great British Bake Off" as a source of wholesomeness and comfort:

Naomi Fry [09:27]: "There is something very comforting. Everything seems so wholesome from a distance in that tent."

4. The Spectrum of Comfort in Art

The trio discusses the variety within comfort-seeking art, distinguishing between purely escapist culture and art that, while not traditionally comforting, offers solace through its artistic merit. Naomi brings up Annie Baker's "Janet Planet" as an example of a beautifully crafted character study that provides comfort through its authenticity:

Naomi Fry [42:46]: "It's just an incredible movie. It's about a single mother and her young daughter... it's so beautifully done."

Conversely, Alexandra Schwartz recommends "Somebody Somewhere" for its honest portrayal of personal struggles intertwined with humor, emphasizing the importance of humanism in art:

Alex Schwartz [42:53]: "It's really not about everything being great... But I do think it's about the struggle."

5. The Risks of Over-Escapism: Historical Parallels

Vincent Cunningham introduces a cautionary perspective by referencing historian Kristin Godsey's analysis of the Soviet era's "internal emigration." He warns against the societal consequences of excessive escapism:

Vincent Cunningham [28:00]: "When your private garden is all that there is, that's a problem. It's a problem for you, and it's a disaster for society."

This segment underscores the delicate balance between personal comfort and societal engagement, highlighting the potential for cultural retreat to contribute to broader societal collapse.

6. Art as a Catalyst for Humanism and Freedom

The discussion pivots to the intrinsic value of art in fostering humanism and intellectual freedom. Vincent posits that art nurtures the imagination, enabling new thoughts and perspectives essential for societal progress:

Vincent Cunningham [40:08]: "Art feeds the imagination in all these different ways and gives us the freedom to contemplate and to think new thoughts."

Alex concurs, advocating for art that promotes genuine curiosity and understanding of others, which she identifies as a form of humanistic comfort:

Alex Schwartz [37:08]: "I want to see more [humanism in art]. Just a sense of being able to be curious about people in a very real and complex way."

7. Recommendations: Navigating Comfort and Engagement

In the latter part of the episode, the critics offer actionable recommendations for listeners seeking comfort through art without succumbing to the dangers of escapism. Naomi suggests following Beth Stern's Instagram for uplifting animal rescue stories and recommends Annie Baker's "Janet Planet." Alex reiterates her endorsement of "Somebody Somewhere," while Vincent shares his appreciation for classic soul albums by Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, emphasizing their ability to intertwine everyday life with profound political commentary.

8. Concluding Thoughts: Balancing Comfort and Responsibility

As the episode draws to a close, the critics emphasize the importance of balance. Naomi encourages listeners to view comfort-seeking as part of a "marathon, not a sprint," advocating for mindful engagement with art that sustains without isolating:

Naomi Fry [35:48]: "We're individuals who are living through time, and sometimes things take a while to absorb... it's not all or nothing."

Vincent reiterates the societal necessity of maintaining spaces for contemplation and artistic freedom, asserting that such freedoms are foundational to a truly free society.

Notable Quotes:

• Vinson Cunningham [01:55]: "What can art do for us in moments of great political social upheaval, unreality. Especially in a time where so many people are disaffected, kind of numb, and are for that reason, looking to art to kind of escape the moment instead of engaging more deeply with it."

• Naomi Fry [01:55]: "I feel like I've been really seeking comfort. I would love for art and culture to give me some sort of sense of escapism from the current reality."

• Alex Schwartz [07:16]: "The caption was. 'Stop scrolling. Take a deep breath and use the next few minutes to escape to a place where the air is sweet.'"

• Vincent Cunningham [28:00]: "When your private garden is all that there is, that's a problem. It's a problem for you, and it's a disaster for society."

• Vinson Cunningham [40:08]: "Art feeds the imagination in all these different ways and gives us the freedom to contemplate and to think new thoughts."

Conclusion

"The Value—and Limits—of Seeking Comfort in Art" offers a profound examination of how art functions as both a refuge and a means of deeper societal engagement. The New Yorker's Critics at Large adeptly navigate the complexities of seeking comfort through cultural consumption, advocating for a balanced approach that honors personal solace while reinforcing collective responsibility. Through personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and thoughtful recommendations, the episode serves as a compelling guide for listeners striving to find equilibrium between escapism and active participation in shaping their cultural and political landscapes.