When we think of art, often the characters, plot or themes are the first things to come to mind. When we discuss who and what a work of art is about, we overlook the most apparent aspect of the piece: the setting. We praise twists, rank protagonists and argue about endings, but we rarely ask where it all happens — or why. And when we do discuss setting, we tend to look at the far-away planets of space operas or the ancient halls of fantasy, but seldom at places close to home.
In the Metropolis B-Side, we turn our attention to the modern world’s most iconic setting: the city. Towering metropolises are more than backdrops; they are people, stories and metaphors in and of themselves. Whether depicted as overcrowded slums or heavenly icons, cities speak the same language across all art — one of constant movement. From New York City to Singapore to Metropolis, the clash of noise and light is a testament to how far humanity has come, and how far it can fall.
So, I invite you to explore how our cities — real, remembered or imagined — are reflected in the art we love. Take a look at the bright beacons filled with contrasting love and anger, freedom and control, decay and rebirth, and feel at home here. Welcome to the big city.
Daily Arts Writer Zach Loveall can be reached at zloveall@umich.edu.
