Read the first part of this series, here. What I am calling Debt Aesthetics—how financial speculation and economic bifurcation have flattened art into a new form—are not limited to Zombie Formalism.

What was Zombie Formalism? If you’re not an avid follower of art-world trends, you may have no idea. Don’t worry: From an aesthetic standpoint, you didn’t miss much. In an economic sense, though, ...

The nation's protracted battle against formalism and inefficiency has turned a corner in some key areas, particularly for authorities at the grassroots who often are left with the lion's share of ...