Tres Gaudi

Saith Jon G, in a post on Gaudi:

He fell after departing his masterwork, la Basilica de la Sagrada Família, a structure one @jameslileks of Minneapolis, MN, described as “ugly” a few weeks ago on the flagship podcast. For shame.

I did say that. It was shorthand for a longer critique, which is “it’s ugly, but.”

But it’s fascinating. But it’s unique. But it is essential to interrogate and understand the things that abrade your own aesthetic preferences. But it’s an instance of individual genius seizing an opportunity and laying down a marker future generations felt compelled to pay off. But it’s an example of the ways in which individualistic talent can create a new vocabulary. And so on.

[Lileks is an old friend whose writings on culture are nearly as legendary as his wit. He’s always worth a read. — Ed]