Monthly Archives: December 2017

As a result, human systems bring entirely new dimensions of complexity and surprise to the functioning of Earth systems.

Erie C. Ellis

Perhaps the most important step down the path of engaging with human systems is developing a deep appreciation of their distinctiveness from physical, chemical, and biological systems. Humans are only one of many primate species living in the physical, chemical, and biological world. However, human systems are much more than this. Human systems are social systems that emerge from the interactions of large numbers of individual decision-making agents structured by social roles, social institutions, social networks, and ultimately by social learning across generational time (cultural inheritances), all of which respond to both current and historical contexts and conditions on many different levels simultaneously (Chase-Dunn and Lerro, 2013; Ellis, 2015; Giddens, 1984). As a result, human systems bring entirely new dimensions of complexity and surprise to the functioning of Earth systems.

Erle C Ellis, Physical geography in the Anthropocene
(via inthenoosphere)

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Merry Christmas from the Green Man, cunningly hidden in the writhing branches of the wisteria mosaic at Canoga Station.

Iconography: Sol Invictus! The long winter shadows of the guard rails seem to imprison Dionysius, dio nysso, the God that Runs in the Wood, but they are already shortening and the jolly Green Man will get full sun. Unfortunately, as the Green Man gets more full-on sun, so will passengers waiting for the next tram. Well, you gotta suffer for art, for horticulture, and for transit too.

Enlarge the pic to see the detail. The mosaic is as rich, dense, evocative, and intricate as any of the Roman floors at the Getty in Malibu. Bravo to Metro, for a classy installation at Canoga!  The tram came before I could get the artist’s name, but I will supply it when I can.

“And Lo, an Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.”

“The Life of Christ”, by Keith Haring. White gold on copper. Triptych altarpiece crowning the AIDS Interfaith Chapel in Grace Cathedral, the stately seat of the Episcopal bishop of San Francisco, crowning stately Nob Hill.

Iconography: in context with the red chapel walls, the dazzling white gold bespeaking transcendent power, the altar might be read as the Sanctifying Power of Blood. Mr. Haring juxtaposes the birth and death of Christ centrally, in a complex figure at the top middle, which rains power down on the scene.  The figure suggests the Virgin birth, the embrace of the World, the arms of sacrifice outstretched on the cross.

“Fear not! For I bring Good Tidings, of Great Joy.“

On the wings of the triptych beat the wings of the Seraphim, with the inimitably energetic, joyful, hummingbird-dancing-on-air figures that made Haring one of the most beloved artists of his generation. 

“Then there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God! and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest! And on Earth, peace, good will towards men.”

The men of good will can be seen below, at the very bottom of the sculpture, dancing their hearts out in ecstatic rapture,  as the redeeming drops of mingled blood and water wash down from their savior.

This is the last piece of art created by Keith Haring. He died of AIDS a few weeks after finishing the altarpiece.

Fear not. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Merry Christmas.