Why Is Modern Art So Ugly?! | The Deep episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 39 MIN

Why Is Modern Art So Ugly?! | The Deep

from The LOOPcast

Watch the short film "In the Space Between Ages" on Zeale: https://zeale.co/video/in-the-space-between-ages After Notre Dame unveiled its new, modernist stained-glass windows and reignited an old debate, Erika sat down with sculptor Dony MacManus to ask why modern art is so ugly – and what sacred beauty still demands of us. A bracing conversation on art, suffering, freedom, and faith.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro: Why is modern art so ugly?1:45 - Sculpting a monument for the U.S. Navy3:25 - Becoming an artist, turning towards the light6:24 - Creativity and freedom is found within constraints9:39 - Drawing is contemplating reality visually12:50 - How smartphones kill creativity14:32 - AI art = anti incarnational15:07 - Art history: how did we get to modern art that’s so ugly?18:54 - Ugly art comes from ugly thought (truth leads to beauty)23:31 - Why are we not allowed to criticize modern art? 28:00 - Western tradition created beautiful art because it was centered on Jesus Christ (the mass)30:38 - Childlike delight in God’s creation37:28 - Conclusion: watch the film on Zeale!Links:Short film “In the Space Between Ages”: https://zeale.co/video/in-the-space-between-ages Dony’s show on Zeale.co: https://zeale.co/shows/clash-of-the-mastersRoger Scruton’s “Why Beauty Matters”: https://vimeo.com/549715999 Want more Deep? Check out our new home! https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deepSubscribe to the LOOPcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLOOPcast

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Why Is Modern Art So Ugly?! | The Deep

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Watch the short film "In the Space Between Ages" on Zeale: https://zeale.co/video/in-the-space-between-ages After Notre Dame unveiled its new, modernist stained-glass windows and reignited an old debate, Erika sat down with sculptor Dony MacManus to...

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