Modern history is a history of aesthetizations – and every
aesthetization raises a claim of protection. We aestheticize and
want to protect almost everything, including Earth, oceans, the
atmosphere, rare animal species and exotic plants. Humans are no
exception. They also present themselves as objects of contemplation
that deserve admiration and care. For some time, artists and
intellectuals struggled for the sovereign right to present
themselves to society in their own way – to become self-created
works of art. Today everybody has not only a right but also an
obligation to practice self-design. We are responsible for the way
we present ourselves to others – and we cannot get rid of this
aesthetic responsibility. However, we are not able to produce our
own bodies. Before we begin to practice self-design, we find
ourselves already designed by the gaze of others. That is why the
practice of self-design mostly takes a critical and confrontational
turn. We want to bring others to see us in the way we want to be
seen – not only during our earthly life but also after our death.
This is a complicated struggle, and the aim of this book is to
describe and analyze it.
General
Imprint: |
Polity Press
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Series: |
Theory Redux |
Release date: |
October 2022 |
First published: |
2022 |
Authors: |
Boris Groys
|
Dimensions: |
188 x 125 x 15mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
140 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-5095-5197-2 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-5095-5197-2 |
Barcode: |
9781509551972 |
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