Ben Bova

I just finished reading The Silent War written by Ben Bova. A science fiction story about big corporations and their leaders fighting with the help of mercenaries on the Asteroid Belt and the Moon. Fighting for power and profits.

But in the final pages there is revealed an odd ailien artefact - or an artwork. It communicates strangely and differently with every person.

" ' Communicate?'
'Perhaps it is a very subtle, very powerful communications device.'
'Not an artwork at all.'
'Oh yes, of course it's an artwork. All works of art era communications devices, for those who possess the soul to understand,' "

'Hmm' is not an answer. Maybe it's a question. Or maybe the listener, passer by wants to have some more. Art is not always easy to chew. I know many people who are unable immediately after experiencing an artwork to say anything about it. They need time to reflect. At such moments silence, not saying anything or 'hmm' is what they can produce. Anyways art needs feedback to stay alive.

Juha H.