Research: Manifestos and Arts Practice

Catalog description

The Xenofeminism Manifesto, originally published in 2018 by the collective Laboria Cuboniks, states in its opening: "XF is not a bid for revolution, but a wager on the long game of history, demanding imagination, dexterity and persistence." How does "imagination, dexterity and persistence" manifest in an artistic practice? In this class we will look at a variety of art manifestos and their related practice as a research tool that students can employ to develop a critical perspective and methodology for their own work. As manifestos typically contain a declaration of purpose, a vision for the future, a theoretical framework, a call to action and stylistic, emotional and aesthetic elements, as well as links between art and other fields, students will be asked to articulate how these elements appear in their practice. Throughout the semester, and using manifestos as a template, we will review different types of arts research, ranging from autoethnography, poetic inquiry, performative research, and practice-led research. Students will compose their own manifesto and produce work that aligns and supports it, and contextualize it historically and philosophically within their respective field. Theory and practice will be intimately intertwined with weekly assignments that will seek to crystalise readings and research into embodied narratives and artifacts. The Xenofeminism Manifesto ends with this call to action: "If nature is unjust, change nature!" In this class you will be invited to consider what your own call to action will be by experimenting, iterating, sharing and expanding your creative practice, making theory a lived experience.