Unromantic, Political Art: An Interview with Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin

This edition of the Culturico podcast discusses the philosophical and political background of art with Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin, an Irish artist, lecturer and writer. His own art, which draws heavily on social realism and geopolitical themes, is contextualised by Ó Croidheáin in his book "Against Romanticism: from Enlightenment to Enfrightenment and the Culture of Slavery". In this work, he suggests that modern-left wing movements should see themselves as inheritors of the scientific and politically progressive ideals of the Enlightenment, in contrast to the reactionary ideals of Romanticism. In the interview we discuss the legitimacy of these claims, but also the connection between philosophical views and artistic aesthetic, as well as the appeal and pitfalls of making politicised art.