Performing Theory

Join philosopher, art critic, curator, media theorist Boris Groys for a lecture on his current work as he examines options for contemporary art today. Although contemporary art operates under the influence of critical theory, critical theory rejects aesthetic contemplation in favor of action. Art can proceed in two different ways. One possibility is to adopt the perspective of theory and join its call for action– to become critical in the same sense in which theory is critical. The other possibility is to answer the call of theory and to perform the required action. Join Boris Groys as he explores both strategies and how they are practiced by contemporary art. A wide-ranging thinker, his recent publications include History Becomes Form: Moscow Conceptualism (2010), Going Public (2010), Art Power (2008), and Ilya Kabakov: The Man Who Flew into Space from His Apartment (2006).