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Art and Cosmotechnics: Flux by Yuk Hui

William Powell

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Published in Art And Cosmotechnics (e Flux) Yuk Hui

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In his thought-provoking book, Art and Cosmotechnics: Flux, Yuk Hui delves into the intricate relationship between art and technology in the Anthropocene era. Through a comprehensive analysis of artworks, Hui argues that art is not merely a reflection of our technological advancements but an active force in shaping the ways we perceive and interact with the world.

Hui's central thesis revolves around the idea of flux, which he defines as "a constant process of transformation and becoming." He posits that art, like the world itself, is in a perpetual state of flux, continuously evolving and responding to the ever-changing technological landscape.

Hui challenges the traditional view of art as a static object or representation. Instead, he sees art as a dynamic process that engages with the world in real time. Through its ability to manipulate and transform materials, art becomes a medium for exploring the complex interactions between humans, nature, and technology.

Art and Cosmotechnics (e-flux)

by Yuk Hui

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7515 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	294 pages

Hui introduces the concept of cosmotechnics as a lens through which to understand the relationship between art and technology. Cosmotechnics refers to the ways in which humans use technology to shape and inhabit their world, creating a unique blend of the natural and the artificial.

In the Anthropocene, the human impact on the planet has become so profound that it has shifted the very nature of our relationship with technology. Art, as a form of cosmotechnics, plays a crucial role in negotiating this new reality.

Hui supports his arguments with a series of case studies that examine specific artworks that embody the concept of flux. These include:

Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project (2003): This immersive installation transformed the Tate Modern's Turbine Hall into a hazy, artificial sunset, creating a sensory experience that blurred the boundaries between the natural and the artificial.
Hito Steyerl's Liquidity Inc. (2014): This video essay explores the fluid nature of value in the digital age, highlighting the ways in which technology has transformed economic and social systems.
Ai Weiwei's Fake Design (2018): This series of furniture made from recycled materials confronts the complexities of authenticity and the role of technology in shaping our material culture.

Hui concludes Art and Cosmotechnics: Flux with a reflection on the future of art in the face of rapid technological change. He argues that art must continue to embrace its role as a catalyst for transformative thinking and action.

By engaging with the flux of the Anthropocene, art can help us to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It can empower us to imagine new ways of living, to foster a deeper connection with our environment, and to envision a more sustainable and equitable future.

Art and Cosmotechnics: Flux has received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between art and technology. The book has been praised for its interdisciplinary approach, its close analysis of contemporary artworks, and its timely insights into the challenges of the Anthropocene.

Yuk Hui's Art and Cosmotechnics: Flux is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of art, technology, and the Anthropocene. Through its compelling analysis of case studies and its visionary exploration of the future of art, the book offers a profound understanding of the dynamic and transformative relationship between humans and their technologies.

Art and Cosmotechnics (e-flux)

by Yuk Hui

4.7 out of 5