December 20, 2023

What does it mean to be at sea? Literally, it means to be away from land. Figuratively it means to  have no path. It means confusion and  disorientation. This is what is captured in a 1915 Japanese work of art  by Hashio Kyoshi. Titled “Morning Sea” It’s a silk on silk embroidery of waves– these are aggressive, savage waves that  create  a sense of total turbulence. Writer Gish Jen describes the experience of seeing this expanse of ocean  as overpowering and profound. At the time, Japan, which had deliberately kept isolated, was opening its ocean to trade. It was starting to westernize and the pillars of society that had anchored Japan were collapsing. Gish Jen joins us to talk about why this work of art resonates today and the hope art can give us amid these turbulent times. From there, it’s the FUN that art can bring us, we’ll talk to the creative forces behind a Provincetown inspired holiday album with a queer twist. Finally, the show wraps up with a call from Victor Infante, features editor of the Worcester Telegram and editor of the Worcester Magazine, who discusses the arts and culture scene in central Massachusetts.