In this week’s episode of “The Art Angle,” Ben Davis sits down with esteemed author and critic Chris Kraus to delve into her intriguing transition from art writing to penning a true crime novel. Known for her influential role as co-editor at Semiotext(e), Kraus was instrumental in bringing French theory to the United States. Her literary prowess gained widespread attention with her autobiographical novel “I Love Dick,” a cornerstone of autofiction that even inspired an Amazon series.
Kraus’s latest novel, “The Four Spent the Day Together,” is an exploration of intertwined lives, presented through a unique three-part structure. The narrative begins with Catt Greene, a young woman navigating a challenging upbringing in Connecticut, yearning to escape a bleak existence through art, activism, and experimentation. Fast forward to the present, Catt is a successful art critic and novelist, mirroring Kraus’s own journey. Her husband, Paul, an addiction counselor, battles his own demons, unraveling their relationship.
The novel takes a turn as Catt finds herself under the scrutiny of online critics for her role as a landlord, echoing Kraus’s real-life experiences in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This scrutiny propels Catt to embark on an investigation of a real-life murder in rural Minnesota, seeking to piece together the tragic story. Through this fictional lens, Kraus and her character navigate the complexities of life and narrative creation.
Join Ben Davis as he and Chris Kraus discuss the intersections of art, life, and storytelling in her latest work.
