The Secret Adventures of Order

Christine Kuan
Mar 4, 2013 2:19AM

Jorge Luis Borges writes in Valéry as Symbol, "Of a man who, in an age that worships the chaotic idols of blood, earth and passion, preferred always the lucid pleasures of thought and the secret adventures of order."

Is that not the most thrilling concept--"secret adventures of order?"  It makes me think of Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day, where decorum prevents butler and housekeeper from realizing their romance, which takes place solely in their minds. It also makes me think of math and geometry, where there are rules, but also incredible room for experimentation and creativity within those boundaries.

Cool, intellectual and aesthetic investigations are prevalent throughout contemporary art, especially in contemporary Latin American art. To me, these works exemplify "secret adventures of order" made visible to the public. It's so exhilarating to see so many stunning examples in The Armory Show this year.

Christine Kuan