Fresh Air: Writer, Critic & Curator Hilton Als Looks For The Silences
Host: Tonya Moseley | Guest: Hilton Als | Release Date: April 1, 2025
In this compelling episode of NPR’s award-winning program Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley engages in an intimate and thought-provoking conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and critic Hilton Als. Known for his incisive essays and profiles at The New Yorker, Als delves into the intricate interplay between language, silence, and meaning in both his writing and curatorial work.
Introduction to Hilton Als and His Work
Tonya Moseley opens the discussion by highlighting Als’s multifaceted career as a writer, critic, and curator. Als’s recent exhibition, Writings on the Language and Silence in the Visual Arts at the Hill Art Foundation in New York, showcases the works of 32 artists exploring the concept of silence across various media.
Moseley [00:17]: “Hilton Als has spent decades examining how we create meaning through words, images and the spaces in between.”
Als acknowledges the honor of being a guest, setting the stage for a deep exploration of his artistic philosophy.
Als [01:39]: “Thank you so much for having me. It's an honor.”
The Role of Silence in Writing and Art
Moseley introduces a thought-provoking concept inspired by writer Samuel Delaney, questioning the limitations of language in an era where a shared reality seems elusive.
Moseley [01:50]: “He has this theory that imagination is the only shared reality and that creativity is how we manifest that shared reality.”
Als concurs, expressing concern over how language is often weaponized to divide rather than unite.
Als [02:14]: “Language is being used to not even wound, but to annihilate people.”
He delves into how silence serves as a powerful narrative device in his work, exemplified by his portrayal of a profound friendship where unspoken understanding prevails.
Als [03:38]: “We live in a world where we don't actually have that much silence left.”
Connoisseurship and the Authority of Taste
The conversation shifts to the concept of connoisseurship—who gets to decide what is beautiful or good in art. Als reflects on the balance between critique and curation, addressing the inherent authority writers and critics hold in shaping cultural discourse.
Moseley [06:19]: “Who gets to be an expert in evaluating what's actually beautiful, what is good...”
Als shares insights from his editor at The New Yorker, emphasizing the authenticity and emotional truth he strives to convey in his writing.
Als [07:22]: “You’re telling the emotional truth as much as you can. Always.”
Personal Influences: Mother and Father
Als opens up about his upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and the profound influence of his mother, a first-generation Barbadian immigrant who fostered his love for self-expression and art.
Als [31:13]: “One of the more extraordinary things that we can do in this world is to listen to another human being.”
Conversely, he discusses the complicated relationship with his father, whom he perceived more as a threat than a protector, shaping his skeptical view of authority and male figures.
Als [33:39]: “He was my father… I read him as a threat. And that made me question male authority.”
Deep Dive: Writing About Richard Pryor
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Als’s enduring fascination with Richard Pryor. Rather than conducting direct interviews, Als chooses to construct Pryor’s persona through the recollections and experiences of those who knew him.
Moseley [15:01]: “I'd like for you to read an excerpt from your collection of essays that was also included in your collection of essays, White Girls...”
Als explains his method of immersing himself in Pryor’s world without Pryor’s direct input, allowing for a nuanced and multi-dimensional portrayal.
Als [17:39]: “I wanted to say Richard has spoken quite a bit about his life. Let's hear others speak about Richard's life, including myself.”
He recounts his encounters with Pryor’s associates and the profound impact Pryor had on him, both personally and professionally.
Als [25:29]: “He would [not]... he was like a kid in terms of [his reactions].”
Evolution of Focus: From Women to Broader Human Subjects
Discussing his evolving interests, Als acknowledges a shift from primarily focusing on women's experiences to a more inclusive exploration of human complexity, including men.
Als [36:08]: “It's changing though. It's changing. I'm becoming much more open to men.”
He attributes this change to a deeper understanding of human vulnerability and the universal aspects of his subjects’ experiences.
The Importance of Listening and Silence
Towards the end of the interview, Als emphasizes the critical role of listening—both to spoken words and silence—in truly understanding and portraying human experiences.
Als [29:17]: “Another profound gift is to imagine this person's life... but also imagine their possibility.”
He reflects on his mother’s example of constructive listening, a skill that profoundly influences his writing and teaching philosophy.
Conclusion
Hilton Als concludes by sharing his aspirations to further explore the impacts of societal pressures on individuals, especially within the African American community, through his writing. His commitment to silence, listening, and authentic representation underscores his dedication to fostering deeper connections and understanding through art and literature.
Als [37:32]: “Thank you, Tanya.”
Moseley [37:32]: “Hilton Als is a Pulitzer Prize-winning staff writer and critic for The New Yorker. …”
Notable Quotes
- Als [03:26]: “Imagine what people who really believe in these people feel.”
- Als [07:22]: “You’re telling the emotional truth as much as you can. Always.”
- Als [31:13]: “One of the more extraordinary things that we can do in this world is to listen to another human being.”
Final Thoughts
This episode offers listeners a profound insight into Hilton Als's artistic journey and his relentless pursuit to capture the unspoken and the silences that define human relationships. Als’s reflections on language, silence, and the human condition provide a rich tapestry of thought, making this episode an essential listen for anyone interested in contemporary arts and cultural criticism.