I love art, and I want to experience as much of it as possible. Last year, I pushed myself to look for more art, old and new, to enjoy for the first time or revisit. For example, I challenged myself to read one book per month after not having read a book in full in years. I created a list of albums to listen to and began listening to new ones when given the chance. I watched countless video essays on YouTube from creators I had never heard of, with content ranging from film criticism to political commentary to video game speedruns.
Now, I will share with you ten works of art that I found especially influential, important or entertaining in the past year.
1. ‘Twin Fantasy’ (2018) by Car Seat Headrest
I first listened to this album with high school graduation behind me and the first semester of college looming overhead. I still had my high school friends, but there was an impending sense of doom, knowing my life had a few more months of normalcy before getting flipped on its head. Listening to “Twin Fantasy,” about coming of age, insecurity and first love, felt like looking in a mirror. I resonated with the album’s raw lyrics, variety of emotional tones in lead singer Will Toledo’s voice and indie rock vibe. I played it on repeat all summer, as it made me feel at home in the liminal space between two major phases of my life.
2. ‘The Hunger’ (2022) by Natalie Wynn | ContraPoints
This video simultaneously satirizes “centrist” podcast hosts, á la Joe Rogan, analyzes sexual shame and erotic desire, touches on a wide variety of political topics, truthfully explores causes and consequences of addiction and retells a semi-autobiographical account of Wynn’s own experiences as a transgender woman in the public eye. Moments of biting, dry comedy are followed by thoughtfully portrayed dialog, with all of it underscored by Christian imagery and a sense of tragedy. Aesthetically, narratively and thematically rich, “The Hunger” stands out as an incredible work of political commentary and a feat of storytelling.
3. ‘Citizen Sleeper’ (2022)
A story-driven game that required no technical skill, “Citizen Sleeper” excited me. What I love most about the game is the thoughtfully-constructed, unique worldbuilding, and how it used that worldbuilding to explore interesting concepts such as sentience, bodily autonomy, and what it means to be truly alive. Even the player-character is imbued with so much personality and backstory, with an action as simple as eating fried fungus offering players a glimpse into the experience of living as a “sleeper.” Moreover, the action dice game mechanic and choose-your-adventure style storytelling was conducive to fun, emotionally impactful storytelling. I look forward to getting lost in the equally bleak and beautiful world of “Citizen Sleeper” during my next playthrough.
4. ‘The Veiled Rebekah’ (1864) by Giovanni Maria Benzoni
As the final days of my summer vacation dwindled and my move to Emory drew inevitably nearer, my parents and I seized the opportunity to visit the High Museum of Art while I was in Atlanta.
I have never felt breathless at the sight of an art piece before I saw this sculpture. I admired all the fine details from her serene expression to the use of texture. I was especially captivated by the intricacies of the cloth, representing the juxtaposition between the delicate appearance of the sculpture and the hard, heavy marble it is made of. It looked as though a delicate breeze would cause the fabric to shift across her face. Even now, I feel fortunate to have had an audience with such an awe-inspiring piece.
5. ‘Lolita’ (1955) by Vladimir Nabakov
I am still reeling from my first read of “Lolita,” which made for a challenging and thrilling literary experience. As a reader, I am awestruck by Nabakov’s lyrical prose, intricate storytelling and ability to imbue depth into any character. I was in equal parts morbidly fascinated and abjectly repulsed by the narrator, Humbert Humbert. The events of Dolores Haze’s life, obscured by Humbert’s psychosexual delusions and pretentious ramblings, made for a truly grim journey. As a writer, I both admire and envy Nabakov for his ability to accomplish all this with such precision and tact.
6. ‘Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope’ (1977)
Considering the prevalence of the “Star Wars” franchise in modern culture, it felt like a crime to live eighteen years without watching. Over Thanksgiving break, my two friends who loved the franchise finally sat me down to watch the film.
“Star Wars” made for an entertaining viewing experience in and of itself. I was truly blown away by the aesthetics, made possible by impeccable practical design, creative character design and unique sets. However, I was also interested in the meta of “Star Wars” and what elements made this film into the phenomenon it is today. Overall, “Star Wars” was important to me not just as an entertaining sci-fi adventure flick but as a cultural relic.
7. ‘Slut Pop’ (2022) by Kim Petras
This album became a guilty pleasure of mine. A schlocky, shallow, sex-obsessed pop album, “Slut Pop” failed to capture my interest after the first few listens.
Then, a little switch flicked in my brain. I became hopelessly, disgustingly obsessed with this album. I still don’t believe it’s objectively good, transformative or revolutionary music; nonetheless, I’m listening to it while driving, brushing my teeth or studying. Sometimes, it’s necessary to indulge in a little trash.
8. ‘The Adventure Zone: Balance’ Eleventh Hour arc (2016)
Two years ago in December 2020, I listened to all 69 episodes of this podcast for the first time, a truly transformative experience. This year, I re-listened to the Eleventh Hour Arc (ep.41 - 49) in a nostalgic haze. An exemplary example of not only what “TAZ:B” has to offer, but collaborative storytelling as a whole, the Eleventh Hour holds a special place in my heart.
The premise, “Groundhog Day” (1993) caused by a powerful magical relic in a rustic town, is refreshing and exciting. Story and game mechanics coalesced beautifully. I could go on and on about what I love about this arc — pacing, aesthetic, character moments — but it would probably take eleven hours.
9. ‘Mario Kart Wii’ (2008) — Game
I’ve gained an intensely revitalized interest in “Mario Kart Wii” in the past few weeks, as the game was a major part of my adolescence. While playing solo is fun, I have found that I enjoy it far more with my friends. Between team races, bickering over which course to choose next and good-natured razzing, I love the social aspect of this game. Art is not meant to be enjoyed alone, and “Mario Kart Wii” is a testament to how art facilitates connections between people.
10. ‘This Year’ (2005) by The Mountain Goats
One of many songs I listen to during rough times, this one offers me a “tough love” brand of comfort with its defiant attitude and desperation. This song does not attempt to be unrealistically confident, nor does it downplay strife. It’s a “screw you” to a harsh and uncaring world, which is exactly what I need at times of hardship. It’s the type of song where I pick myself up off my bedroom floor, wipe my eyes and grit my teeth.
“I will make it through this year if it kills me.”
Kauffman's article is part of a year in review series by A&E writers. Read the rest here.
