Lives in generative antagonism: Reframing dualities and centering marginal subjectivities in artistic accounts of war

Rossi, Maria Ulrika (2024) Lives in generative antagonism: Reframing dualities and centering marginal subjectivities in artistic accounts of war. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This PhD thesis presents four case studies exemplifying contemporary artistic approaches to depicting the public life of war. The four artists analysed here are Walid Raad, Emily Jacir, Fiona Tan and Omer Fast, all of whom are represented in the art collection held by Glasgow Museums. The rationale for choosing these four artists follows the ways in which each of them positions themselves within the field of artistic production, and the broader discussion of public life in conflict. What furthermore links their practice is their antagonism towards, and critical commentary upon, official or institutional ways of disseminating knowledge about war and non-armed conflict. I contend that these artists mount their critique utilising various modes of affect, empathy and recognition, as well as by utilising extra-cinematic or embodied knowledge. All four artists work from the starting point of dualities and conflicts, encompassed in the themes discussed but also embodied in the form of the works. Major theoretical perspectives are provided by thinkers such as Judith Butler, Fred Moten and Stefano Harney, whose antiracist, anti-colonialist and pro-equality work reflects critically on how institutions and officially sanctioned use of language works to further entrench inequalities. Reflecting on the works through such methodology, the thesis shows that the practices of all four artists exemplifies a crucial expansion of his or her role in a conflict vis-à-vis the institution, and a discussion on the arising, more tangible conflicts. I reflect on the resulting, operative expansion of the museum through works calling for embodied and empathetic ways of sharing ideas and initiating discussion.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Due to copyright issues this thesis is not available for viewing.
• Subjects: N Fine Arts > NX Arts in general
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Funder's Name: Leverhulme Trust (LEVERHUL)
• Supervisor's Name: Paterson, Dr. Dominic and Kolocotroni, Dr. Vassiliki
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84384
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2024 08:37
• Last Modified: 25 Jun 2024 08:37
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84384
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84384