TOK: The Arts
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Silenced Great War poet finds his voice again
Does great art come out of suffering? Ivor Gurney’s writings from an asylum were ignored. But a new study, out yesterday, reveals their genius and pays homage to his unpublished work.
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An iconic plinth and one massive metal rocket
Should statues be elected? From today, people are being invited to vote for the next artwork to go on display in the heart of London – but some would rather leave it to the experts.
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‘The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind’
Should art be political? Today is the 80th birthday of Bob Dylan, poet, painter and Nobel prizewinner. He has also written some of the most famous political protest songs in history.
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The old man and the tree. A story of spring
Can great art really be created on an iPad? Next week Britain’s greatest living artist will unveil stunning images of nature drawn with an app. But some critics miss the drama of paint.
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Chinese film director shatters Oscar barriers
Does it always take an outsider to see our inner truth? This morning, Chloé Zhao won best director and her film Nomadland, about America’s van-dwellers, won best film and best actress.
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Sili nu speling rools set kritiks larfing
Should English spelling be simplified? Campaigners argue that its complicated rules hold too many students back, and the time has come to introduce some fundamental changes.
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Young Leonardo da Vinci laid bare in new drama
Is Leonardo’s life story relevant today? The new series about the Renaissance genius may be hugely entertaining. But can a tale of a 15th-Century artist have a message for modern viewers?
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The poet who walked a political tightrope
Is poetry more important than politics? Four hundred years after his birth, Andrew Marvell remains a rare example of someone who established a reputation in both spheres.
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Voldemort to bring poet TS Eliot back to life
Can a 78-year-old poem have lessons for modern society? The Harry Potter star will perform Eliot’s late masterwork, Four Quartets, with its profound messages about memory and civilisation.
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Beyoncé wins record-breaking 28th Grammy
Do songs tell us who we are? After Beyoncé’s triumph at the Grammys on Sunday night, some think she is the latest in a long line of artists to channel the spirit of her time.
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No Time to Die: stars fight to save cinemas
Are cinemas history? As movie theatres languish in lockdown, many fear that home streaming will replace them completely. Others believe there will always be a place for the big screen.
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A fable in search of a great humane vision
Are humans unique? Tomorrow one of the greatest writers on this theme, Kazuo Ishiguro, will publish a new novel about artificial intelligence, human nature and the meaning of love.
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McCartney is a Dickens for our day, says poet
Should Paul McCartney get a Nobel prize? News of a new 900-page autobiography has sparked comparisons with Charles Dickens – and a claim that the former Beatle is a major literary figure.
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The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
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Photo and Oprah date clash with privacy aims
Can celebrities have both publicity and privacy? Harry and Meghan release an intimate portrait and agree to an interview with Oprah Winfrey but demand that the press leave them alone.