Jackie Andres, online editor of Colossal, writes an open letter to readers reflecting on Virginia Woolf's assertion that "thinking is my fighting." Andres connects this to contemporary concerns about declining literacy rates, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, doomscrolling, and "brain rot" that undermine critical thinking. She positions Colossal as a free, accessible resource for art education, noting that the publication has remained entirely free for 15 years, and highlights how educators and students use the site for lesson plans and learning.
This letter matters because it frames art journalism and creative thought as essential antidotes to a culture of passive consumption and commodified attention. Andres calls on readers to support independent, accessible art publishing, emphasizing that only 1% of readers currently contribute financially. The piece serves as both a mission statement and a fundraising appeal, underscoring the value of free, high-quality art content in an era of information gatekeeping and digital distraction.