Postanarchism and Critical Art Practices

Engaging with contemporary debates about the political role of art in an era of total market subsumption, this book shows how artists respond to the challenges of political authoritarianism, police violence, right-wing populism, ’post-truth’ discourse, economic inequality, pandemics, and the environmental crisis, transforming the public sphere in new and unexpected ways. Going beyond sterile debates about identity politics, diversity and representation that beset the mainstream media, university campuses and other cultural domains, the volume illustrates the ways in which artists are opening up alternative sites of contestation, occupation, and autonomous political thought and action.

Newman and Topuzovski examine here the artistic practices of multiple collectives and individuals deeply engaged with social and political activities such as Grupo de Arte Callejero (GAC) and Voina, arguing that the best way to understand these new critical discourses and practices is through an updated political theory of anarchism - or what we call postanarchism - where the insurrection against power and the politics of singularity are central. Featuring, for instance, an examination of significant movements such as Black Lives Matter, as well as its use of artistic tactics such as graffiti, graphic design and movement art, the book launches itself into a vibrant discussion of the extent to which art can produce a multiplicity of practices through the deconstruction of existing legal, political, and cultural identities.

By developing an alternative way of exploring the nexus between art and politics through the idea of postanarchism, this book bridges the gap between the two, promoting an understanding of the political role that art can play today and introduces a theory of postanarchism to a non-specialist audience of artists, activists and those generally interested in new sites and directions for radical politics.

Saul Newman is Professor of Political Theory at Goldsmiths University of London. He is mostly known for his theory of postanarchism as a way of understanding new forms of radical politics. He is the author of thirteen books ranging from studies of anarchist and postanarchist political theory, human rights, political theology, law, terrorism and violence, and posthumanist philosophy.

Tihomir Topuzovski is an interdisciplinary Programme Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje and is editor-in-chief of the journal, The Large Glass. His research is at the intersection of philosophy, politics and the visual arts and he was previously a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Baltic and East European Studies in the Södertörn University in Stockholm.