Fillip podcasts from the Judgment and Contemporary Art Criticism forum

This summer, like last year's, has turned out to be unexpectedly busy. I've been doing a lot of writing, as well as work on The Leona Drive Project, and have been neglecting this poor blog. Things should return to normal in a few weeks when these last few deadlines have passed, but for now I want to recommend Fillip's recent series of podcasts drawn from this past winter's "Judgment and Contemporary Art Criticism" panel, co-hosted by the journal and Artspeak.

Tom Morton at Judgment and Contemporary Art Criticism (Photo: Blaine Campbell)

Frieze contributing editor Tom Morton's meditation on the role and obligations of a contemporary arts magazine, as well as the significance of critics dedicating time to considering and analyzing a work of art by writing about it in "Three or Four Types of Intimacy (and Perhaps Some More, Too)" is an interesting, fairly personal take on contemporary art writing. UBC professor and critic William Wood's introductory lecture "Notes on the Demise and Persistence of Judgment" is (perhaps characteristically) denser and more far-reaching in its analysis of different philosophical approaches to judgment and art criticism, but is also quite funny at several points.

The magazine's iTunes podcast feed offers a few other lectures, including one by artist AA Bronson, that also look promising.

ArtStars*: bringing glam to the Toronto artworld

I know they have already been getting a lot of props and attention from the art blogosphere, but I want to go on record saying that I love ArtStars*, the new video blog/arts infotainment talkshow produced by Torontonian artists Jeremy Bailey and Ryan Edwards and hosted by the super funny, super charming art critic Nadja Sayej. Mostly shot at art openings and events, the high production values, slick editing and great music in the episodes makes the Toronto artworld seem much more glamorous while still managing to document all the awkward moments that often happen at these alcohol-fueled soirees.

Nadja Sayej, from ArtStars*' Facebook group page

As they explain on their website, "ARTSTARS delves into the Toronto art world to capture the buzz the newspaper reviews and magazine previews often miss out on -- from messy art openings to thoughtful studio visits, we chat with the rising stars, the groupies and fashionistas to reveal that yes, if those white walls could talk they'd say that everyone is having a hell of a time (there's a reason why the booze cups are plastic, you know)."

While this formula seems like it could result in overly ironic, irritating fare, the ArtStars* dispatches manage to find a perfect balance between sincerity and good old fashion teasing. A few of my favourite espisodes include:

- Nadja Sayej successfully executing a renegade interview with Douglas Coupland at his opening

- A report on the shenanigans at Power Ball 11, where contemporary art installations and socialites often collide.

Even Cait, who hates openings, loves the show and laughs uproariously at every episode. If that's not a seal of approval, I don't know what is.

ArtStars* also maintains a great Twitter account for those who are inclined to tweet and follow.