Summary of "BORIS GROYS: On the Use of Theory by Art and Use of Art by Theory"
Summary of BORIS GROYS: On the Use of Theory by Art and Use of Art by Theory
Boris Groys explores the complex relationship between theory and art, focusing on how contemporary theory uses the concept of life and how art responds to theoretical calls for transformation. His lecture touches on philosophical history, social theory, aesthetics, and political commentary, presenting a nuanced view of life, reason, action, and artistic practice.
Key Concepts and Artistic/Theoretical Techniques
Shift from Reason to Life in Philosophy
- Philosophy historically focused on reason and logos (from Plato to the 19th century).
- In the 20th century, the focus shifted to life as the central concept, reflecting cultural and media changes emphasizing life images, lived experience, and bodily transformation.
- This shift underpins contemporary theory and art’s engagement with existence beyond pure thinking.
Urgency and Calls for Transformation
- Modern media and advertisements urge immediate transformation of body, mind, and life (“Call now!”).
- These calls model imitation of socially recognized identities (e.g., athletes, celebrities).
- Groys questions whether radical identity change through imitation is possible or desirable.
- Desire for similarity (mimetic desire) is seen as socially productive, fostering sociality despite emphasizing difference.
Theory as Transformative, Not Informative
- Theoretical discourse aims not just to inform but to transform attitudes and behaviors (conversion/metanoia).
- It shares with advertising and fashion a reliance on seduction and persuasive calls to action rather than pure logic.
- Traditional philosophy often critiques these as manipulative, but Groys highlights their shared goal of transformation.
Genealogy of Transformative Calls
- Rooted in education and the university model, derived from Plato’s analysis of sophistic discourse.
- Sophists used persuasive, culturally embedded speech mixing tradition and novelty.
- Plato’s critique centered on the need for reason to transcend cultural commonalities to persuade universally.
- The challenge remains: how to appeal beyond shared cultural backgrounds in a globalized world.
Violence and Education
- Plato’s vision of philosopher-kings and enforced education to impose reason, sometimes through violence, reflects historical tensions between reason and societal resistance.
- Education and reason are imposed to overcome ignorance, but people often resist reason due to life’s primacy.
Life vs. Reason
- Life precedes reason; one must live before being reasonable.
- Marx critiques the privileging of reason as ideological, tied to class privilege.
- Nietzsche sees philosophers’ love of reason as compensating for lack of vitality and power.
- Both emphasize the primacy of life (body, practice) over abstract contemplation.
Life as Artistic Exposure
- Life is not authentic or natural but always mediated by the gaze of the Other.
- Authentic life is life exposed socially and artistically; life itself is an art form.
- Artists professionally engage in this exposure; everyone’s life is a form of artistic self-presentation.
Ambiguity of Theoretical Calls and Artistic Responses
- Theory demands urgent action without time for reflection or planning.
- This leads to spontaneous, non-instrumental, non-teleological artistic practices (e.g., automatic writing, dadaism).
- Groys references the film Melancholia to illustrate two responses: frustrated rational action and embracing the situation’s absurdity.
- Contemporary art often acts without clear political efficacy but produces sociality through shared uncertainty and failure.
Failure as a Condition of Action
- Accepting failure as a possibility enables genuine action.
- The revolutionary hero (e.g., Che Guevara) symbolizes action despite inevitable failure.
- This acceptance contrasts with the desire for success that can inhibit action.
Christianity, Distrust, and Freedom
- Christianity’s call to conversion is unique because Christ is an ordinary human figure, provoking deep distrust.
- Faith arises not despite but because of this distrust, enabling freedom and commitment amid uncertainty.
- This paradox of distrust and faith parallels contemporary conditions of theory and art.
Contemporary Capitalism and Change
- Capitalism today is not a stable system but a global flow of desire, money, and information beyond state control.
- The old model of revolution as overthrowing a stable status quo is outdated.
- Real change happens through withdrawal of support from institutions, leading to their collapse.
- Institutions compete for investment by presenting themselves attractively, akin to seduction.
Summary of Creative Processes and Advice
- Embrace the ambiguity and urgency of theoretical calls.
- Engage in spontaneous, non-instrumental action rather than planned, goal-oriented activism.
- Accept failure as an inherent and motivating condition.
- Recognize life as an artistic performance mediated by social exposure.
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Understand that art and theory mutually construct and respond to the concept of life as an artistic gesture.
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Be aware of the historical imposition of reason and education as forms of power.
- Question the assumption that reason is universally accepted or desired.
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Reflect on the social and political dimensions of transformative discourse.
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Recognize that contemporary change is often about withdrawing support rather than direct confrontation.
- Understand the role of seduction and image in contemporary political and economic systems.
- Accept distrust and uncertainty as conditions for freedom and commitment.
Creators and Contributors Featured
- Boris Groys – Philosopher, art critic, curator, professor of aesthetics, art history, and media theory.
- Mentioned thinkers and influences:
- Plato
- Karl Marx
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Walter Benjamin (implicitly referenced)
- Jacques Rancière (implicitly referenced)
- Contemporary artists and movements (Dada, automatic writing)
- Film reference: Melancholia by Lars von Trier
- Christian theologian: Søren Kierkegaard (referred to as “S Kor”)
This lecture offers a profound reflection on how theory and art engage with life, urging a reconsideration of action, transformation, and sociality in contemporary culture.
Category
Art and Creativity
