Several days ago I vaguely derided the MacArthur Foundation for awarding .5 million to Uta Barth. Having not seen her work, it struck me initially as a formalist academic triviality. I was compelled to examine my over-reactive self, and looked further into the work and the artist. I've learned that Barth is thoughtful, engaged photographer. Whether it is sane to lavishly compensate 'geniuses' when so many others labor fruitlessly is altogether another question.
