Dandy in the afterworld

Post-Wildean British artist/writer/dandy Sebastian Horsley has died of an apparent heroin overdose. The good people at Q have reposted an interview Jian did with Horsley two years ago. It’s an amazing bit of performance art, from the very start, and almost everything out of Horsley’s mouth is quotable. I especially like the exchange that starts just after the six minute mark, when Jian asks why Horsley didn’t just put his memoir online for all to read. Horsley responds that ’The internet is loser central, and it is basically replacing masturbation as a leisure activity." Then comes this:

Q: You once said, “It’s better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.” What do you mean by that?

SH: Do you like me?

Q: I think I kind of like you.

SH: Well then I’ll tell you what I mean, my dear.

What follows is a gorgeous defence of live lived as an open book. Turn off the soccer for a few minutes and give it a listen.

Related reading: In Praise of Gossip.