Tao Lin: Art, Angst and Psilocybin

Literary zeitgeist, Tao Lin, is a poet, novelist and artist. Reliantly provocative, he’s polarised critics in ways that few contemporary voices manage: his work has variously been described as genius, daring, hilarious and sociopathic. Gawker notoriously denounced him as “the most annoying person” they’ve ever had dealings with, (before ‘pardoning’ him and becoming fans), while hard nosed critics have spent countless column inches debating whether Shoplifting from American Aparel or Eeeee Eee Eeee are serious, literary breakthroughs or elaborate jokes. Underlying this baffled response, is a recognition that Tao is ambitiously trying to capture the spirit of the times, presenting it in an all its disaffected glory.
Here, Tao tours us through his lesser known art work. Expect him to shed light on iconic pieces, such as 'Gas Powered Sun Fish', 'Buddhist Tyrannosaurus Rex' and the ambiguous 'Embarrassed Ice Beast'. Must-see viewing for those with an interest in art and/or drugs.

[@bigsage88]

hamster simplification

[@user-zz6rj7ne3c]

Those mandalas are amazing.

[@danilles.4247]

I don't understand why the crowd is still laughing during the third part of his talk. When he describes some of his intentions, techniques, or other parts of his creative process it's quite fascinating and genius yet people are still laughing like he's too quirky to be serious. IDK, regardless, Tao Lin is tight.

[@Arthur-Silva]

The mandalas are really nice!

[@kam1am]

Nice, interesting talk.

[@ElectricPid]

What's most interesting to me is the addition of the elongated hexagons and symbols

[@dehilster]

Fantastic. Love Tao’s art.

[@freerangegmos8332]

can we not with the shaky cam, I thought, unenlightened, sober, on 250mg caffeine

[@ephemeralshawtification]

Per Description: (i.e. "hard nosed critics have spent countless column inches debating whether 'Shoplifting from American Apparel' or 'Eeeee Eee Eeee' are serious, literary breakthroughs or elaborate jokes") I’ve shown this video to probably about 60% of the people I love, and the other 40% are just oversight on my part (they will see this eventually, if I have anything to do with it). I’ve thought about making a household mandatory youtube watchlist for my apartment, and this would probably be either 1 or 2 on this list. It takes priority is what I’m trying to say. I’m like Kind of on what I think might be a date as I’m writing this comment, and I’m showing this video to a really cute boy who I hope becomes my boyfriend soon. He has a piece of shit car and I find that really sexy. I’m still trying to break the ice with him. I believe we’re both a little nervous, but that’s normal, and I’ve been convincing myself of the validity of slow-burns. I can’t help but think that him seeing this, and knowing it’s important to me, will provide him with information about my interests, my humor, what I find funny and beautiful. We could laugh at the same parts and talk about drugs and pick which pieces are our favorite. So what I’m really wondering and having a problem with, is this implication of a difference or separation mentioned in the description between “Serious, literary breakthroughs” and “elaborate jokes”. In terms of a literary canon, I wonder if at this point it can finally become people’s choice or if these “hard-nosed critics” are going to keep anything fun out of hands that crave it. Relatability is of utmost importance at this point. So is the relief of humor. Peculiar lenses of early adulthood, bluntness, a deep exploration of things that don’t seem to matter. But that’s where all the hidden information lies, is it not? I just want to let my mind roam and not be so dramatic about it. I once had a friend tell me, I never look for cool people to hang out with, I just do cool shit and the people that like it come when they come. Kind of a cocky thing to say, but i get it. Creating inside a world that you’re forced to live in. In this way, making shit like this and sharing it prioritizes finding others out there that are like you over privacy, over professionalism, over critique. I’m so glad to have this video. Pressing like.

[@worldsfeel6509]

I like your comment can we talk and i be your boyfriend. Im Chris im 24.

[@GeorgeTengTV]

Genius.

[@boredcrab2]

not sure if aspergers or on drugs

[@pinkkudututorials9319]

both i imagine

[@Petepato3]

New Sincerity? Instead, I'd call a complex and forward thinking media and public manoeuvre. But even knowing that doesn't stop from following him.

[@Blackpajamas]

What are the numbers for?

[@DubUltra]

its the one on the right, lol

[@PulpRac3r]

Steven Wright with bad art and not as funny