Vol.17: Victoria Buchanan: Surrealism, World Saving Luxury + Fractional Work

It’s a fascinating evolution of status... and I’m here for it... for as long as these luxurious buys are additive to our environment — not extractive. Let anyone feel like a hero for as long as it’s to the collective’s benefit.

Consumption and sustainability are paradoxical — we can’t buy our way out of this — but some rebranding won’t hurt. Positio... See more

our spectrum of leveraged surrealism: there’s the shadowy and ominous, the whacky and frivolous, and the nonsensical and untethered. Twin Peaks, The Eric Andre Show, and Tiger King, all surreal, reflect back unique, convoluted stories. To deal with our moment, there’s no discrimination in the dreams.

Surrealism is not just an escape, but an excuse. Our hall pass to dream, invent and think beyond our current chaos and limitations.

#2: ON LUXURY FOR GOOD Should we be fixing problems here on earth first? (Yes, probably!) But I do think it’s fascinating to watch our technological capabilities progress, which is broadening our horizons in ways we som... See more

Writing checks to “explore the frontiers of space”, is the new climbing Everest — another flavor of hero cosplay.

In today’s world – which is more and more complex and contradictory – surrealism seems to be resonating with Gen Z because it embraces all their contradictions instead of resolving them.

Its lineage makes sense: surrealistic art was developed post-WWI and then grew in prominence after WWII as artists attempted to process the atrocities they experienced. Releases of the unconscious.

Fractional work = autonomy + community + equity.

There has to be a middle-ground, one which not just permits, but incentivizes pursuits outside of existing responsibilities. Programs to train divergent thinking and sharpen Swiss Army Knife skills.

#1: ON SURREALISM

Why does lunacy and irreverence feel so resonant right now? One of the principles of surrealism is an expression of the absurd in order to question power and I’ve similarly noticed Gen Z quietly raging against the madness of the world with content that is surreal, weird and oft-uncomfortable.

As a strong proponent for the diversification of work (see here with Zine), building a Career Portfolio is not just incredibly fulfilling, but ultimately job-proofing. By building relationships and reputation outside the walls of a single office, fractional work can be a win-win. Employers just have to tap the upside for themselves... more satisfie... See more

surrealistic art’s original intent: to unshackle the mind's imagination and unconscious thoughts, liberating us from the oppressive boundaries of a rational reality.