Literary Friction Literary Friction - RE-RUN: Abstract Romanticism with Chris Kraus
Dec 29, 2022
Author Chris Kraus discusses the themes of desire, objectification, and abstract romanticism in her book 'I Love Dick'. The podcast delves into the power dynamics of love, obsession, and the intersection of art and infatuation. It also explores the evolution of comedy, reclaiming the female narrative, and the complexities of desire in romantic relationships.
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Letter Writing Becomes The Path To Voice
- The novel charts Chris finding her voice: letter-writing (Dear Dick) evolves into writing as self-expression (Dear Diary) and a creative exit.
- Kraus highlights that writing becomes the way the protagonist escapes being defined through men.
Material Precarity Shapes An Artist's Life
- Kraus candidly describes precarity for artists: without partner Silver's support she'd likely have had to abandon art for stable work.
- She details quitting topless dancing, doing temp jobs, and fearing law school before partnership enabled artistic survival.
Attempt To Collaborate With The Real 'Dick'
- Kraus recounts ethical concerns about using a real person as a character and tried to mitigate identification by changing details and offering collaboration.
- She called Dick and invited him to write an introduction; he declined and later publicly acknowledged himself when New York magazine outed him.