scribe 9/14

In class 9/14 we discussed Relational Aesthetics which was an infamous book by Nicolas Bourriaud. In this text Bourriaud theorized non-objective art practices. He stressed getting art away from the object, especially in social situations. The theme of intersubjectivity was covered which dealt with the viewer vs. painting relationship. In Marxist thought, non-economical aspects of materialistic needs is structured by the economic system of a society. In this, art is an alternative "exchange", different from common everyday communication and exchange. Guatarri didn't side with Marx's revolutionary ideas but stressed the

"micro-utopia" within society - small attempts in communities and neighborhoods that affect the role of art in mass society.

We began to watch a video by John Cage and Roland Kirk called Sound (1966). This interesting off-beat piece depicts that sound has experimental potential to create new art forms. Kirk played several brass instruments and got the crowd involved with a flute-like whistle.

These street performances and participatory action are effective if they change social relationships, even if just for a moment.