The Longcut

The Longcut is a story about an artist who is lost and distracted by the question of what her work is. It is a feat of syntactical dexterity and comic ingenuity, ultimately a story of resistance to easy answers and the place of art and the artist in the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press

The artist in "The Longcut" is a woman who is unsure of what her art is. As she makes her way to a meeting in an art gallery, navigating through the familiar streets of a city she knows intimately, she becomes endlessly sidetracked and distracted by the nagging question of what her work truly is and how she will recognize it when she sees it. Her mind wanders through various aspects of her life, including her mundane office job where she spends her days moving items into a "completed" column, restless nights in her so-called studio (which is actually just a tiny apartment), and encounters with an enigmatic friend who may or may not know her better than she knows herself. Despite her attempts to find answers, she continually encounters more questions—such as the distinction between the real world and the world captured in photographs, the reasons why objects change in different contexts, and the mystery of Cambridge blue. These questions only serve to further distance her from the one thing that truly matters: the essence of her art.

"The Longcut" is an extraordinary achievement in terms of syntactical skill and comedic ingenuity. It ultimately tells a story of resistance to simple answers and the role of art and the artist in the world. The artist's journey through the complexities of her life and her search for meaning is both relatable and captivating, as she navigates through the labyrinth of questions that plague her. Through her struggles, she emerges as a stronger and more confident artist, ready to embrace the unknown and create something truly unique.

In conclusion, "The Longcut" is a masterpiece of contemporary literature that offers a profound exploration of the human condition. Through its witty and insightful narrative, it challenges readers to think critically about the world around them and the role of art in shaping our understanding of it. The artist's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of uncertainty. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates fine writing and is interested in exploring the depths of the human experience.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781628973976