Why Is Modern Art So Ugly?! | The Deep
The LOOPcast
Watch the short film "In the Space Between Ages" on Zeale: https://zeale.co/video/in-the-space-between-ages After Notre Dame unveiled its new, modernist stained-glass windows and reignited an old debate, Erika sat down with sculptor Dony MacManus to ask why modern art is so ugly – and what sacred beauty still demands of us. A bracing conversation on art, suffering, freedom, and faith. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Why is modern art so ugly? 1:45 - Sculpting a monument for the U.S. Navy 3:25 - Becoming an artist, turning towards the light 6:24 - Creativity and freedom is found within constraints 9:39 - Drawing is contemplating reality visually 12:50 - How smartphones kill creativity 14:32 - AI art = anti incarnational 15:07 - Art history: how did we get to modern art that’s so ugly? 18:54 - Ugly art comes from ugly thought (truth leads to beauty) 23:31 - Why are we not allowed to criticize modern art? 28:00 - Western tradition created beautiful art because it was centered on Jesus Christ (the mass) 30:38 - Childlike delight in God’s creation 37:28 - Conclusion: watch the film on Zeale! Links: Short film “In the Space Between Ages”: https://zeale.co/video/in-the-space-between-ages Dony’s show on Zeale.co: https://zeale.co/shows/clash-of-the-masters Roger Scruton’s “Why Beauty Matters”: https://vimeo.com/549715999 Want more Deep? Check out our new home! https://zeale.co/podcasts/the-deep Subscribe to the LOOPcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLOOPcast
About Podcast
Welcome to LOOPcast—where we cut through the noise, break down the week’s biggest headlines, and tackle politics, culture, and current events with a solid Catholic perspective. Expect accurate reporting, sharp analysis, real talk, engaging interviews, and just the right amount of humor to keep things lively. Stay informed, stay faithful, and enjoy some laughs along the way. LIVE shows every Wednesday at 11:00 ET.
