The radical structure of 'Inoculation'

Against Inoculation: An invitation to participate.

Enda Deburca speaking at 'Marx the Mole and Artaud', Brick Box Cafe, Brixton Market 25.02.2011

                   

Towards a Manifesto

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The representation of art in the business model and the neutralization of its power-What is to be done?

What is it that we're really trying to do? Many doing art projects don't seem to really ask this. I don't think those involved with art have asked this enough, even for example why art is important in a school. It's interesting that when something is threatened you start to realise how important something is, I think one of the reasons I think arts important is that it is a domain where we decide what areas we problematize. Unlike the Grotesque Image of Culture Deleuze describes-

" ..........Such is the origin of the grotesque image of culture that we find in examinations, government referenda as well as news paper competitions (where everyone is called upon to choose according to his or her own taste, on condition that taste coincides with everyone else). As if we would not remain slaves so long as we do not control the problems themselves, so long as we do not posses a right to a participation in and management of the problems. "

Deleuze 197 difference and repetition the continuum paper back

This is precisely one reason why art and the humanities are so important.

But the way in which we are supposed to 'represent' ourselves so we can be 'recognised' as artists is part of the problem of inoculation because this so often becomes the 'IT' that the work does in the Real. For example; statement of cultural capital followed by description of work.

This is a cultural problem and can only be addressed collectively as people take personal responsibility and it's bloody difficult partly because it's taboo to talk about.

I suppose what I'm saying is we need to move away from the business model in all it nefarious forms, even those masking as 'social concern' .

The process of thought in culture needs to move from a descriptive (marketing model) to a real social methodological approach, something that really reacts with, to or against something. It is this that needs to be at the front not the image or representation of the artist which can be recognised.

I would like to propose the following points for consideration in moving towards a manifesto. Any feedback or comments would be welcome: -

1. We oppose and resist the capitalist monoculture and insist on social equality and are proactive in using art in the practice of social justice.
2. The process of thought in culture needs to move from a descriptive (marketing model) to a real social methodological approach. Real in the sense that it has nothing to do with the culture of self referencing within art and use of theoretical text to dress up empty art careering driven by the forces of capital.
3. ‘We have to convince ourselves that there is nothing ridiculous or criminal about having a great idea. The world of global and arrogant capitalism in which we live is taking us back to the 1840s and the birth of capitalism …. Too many people now think that there is no alternative to living for oneself, for one’s own interests.’ (p. 67 Alain Badiou The Communist Hypothesis). Practically as far as art practice goes this means taking a stand with the oppressed and not being concerned about the opinions of those who act in a capitalistic individualistic way at the expense of everybody else. Especially it means not being concerned about offending people who have any control about what work gets seen.
4. The process of discovering or cognizing truths must be taken on and reinvented by us, this is a political act. It is vital to define what we mean by truth. It is not a revealed religious truth, it is something we have to discover and continue to discover, but once we do, we have a commitment to that truth as we understand it. We have to act with that knowledge because one thing’s for sure, those in control of capital with all their vested interest in tying up the population in an ideology of competitive individualism will not rest.
5. As to the monolithic ‘religious’ version of truth it can be compared to a view of education that sees knowledge as a fixed body, privileging the image of knowledge over the activity of learning. So we are committed to a vision of the future which allows and provides resources for active life long learning for all. We see art as a vital method of learning available to all.
6. How do we tell our truths/encounters and to whom? Surely if this is important how and where we communicate will change and be open to examination, not just within a narrow claustrophobic art discourse but one that takes into account the whole social landscape within which the work operates.