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Artistic Labour: Seeking a Utopian Dimension

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Repository DOI


Type

Article

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Authors

Bağcıoğlu, Neylan 

Abstract

This article investigates the notion of artistic labour by elucidating how artists can create ethical social relations to perform “a new, possible world” by reinserting labour and advocacy into their practice. An examination of contemporary works by Ahmet Öğüt and Cevdet Erek who attempt to create micro-utopias by situating artistic labour at their core or by emphasising the power of networks and the “commons” to foster social integration are juxtaposed with the discussion of a possible genealogy of such utopian artistic attempts from the late 1960s and 1970s. The historical trajectory delineates the common denominators of artistic practices that proceed from utopian ideals such as anti-isolation, anti social division, anti self-reflexivity, process instead of object-based work, and investment in human value rather than materialistic value.

Description

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from OpenEdition via http://dx.doi.org/10.4000/cadernosaa.1053

Keywords

artistic labour, art workers, 1970s, utopia, commons, advocacy

Journal Title

Cadernos de arte e antropologia

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2238-0361
2238-0361

Volume Title

5

Publisher

OpenEdition