record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00817
Thesis Title
Towards an Ecosophy: A Reading of the Critical Significance of Experimental Ethnographic Video Through the Lens of Félix Guattari’s 'The Three Ecologies'
Author
Edward Christie
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
Master of Arts
Year
2018
Number of Pages
82
University
The Courtauld Institute of Art
Thesis Supervisor
Professor Julian Stallabrass
Supervisor e-mail
julian.stallabrass AT courtauld.ac.uk
Other Supervisor(s)
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
History of Art
Languages Familiar to Author
URL where full thesis can be found
Thesis available through The Courtauld Institute of Art's library, or on request by contacting the author
Keywords
Experimental Ethnographic Video, Ecosophy, Environmental Crisis, Crisis, Climate Change, Felix Guattari
Abstract: 200-500 words
In this paper, I maintain that we might illuminate the critical significance of experimental ethnographic video through the lens of Félix Guattari’s 'The Three Ecologies'. By analysing three important works that have been made within this movement since its rise in the late-twentieth century (Juan Downey’s 'Video Trans Americas', Roy Villevoye and Jan Dietvorst’s 'The New Forest', and Ursula Biemann and Paulo Tavares’ 'Forest Law'), I consider different approaches to ethnographic filmic experimentation, which, I argue, are united by an investment in resisting hegemonic modes of subjectivity and working towards the formation of modes of being that resemble Guattari’s ecosophy. Although this is manifested in different ways across the practices, this ontology is premised on a reformulation of otherness; denotes a transversal consideration of the interconnections between individual psyches, communities, and the environment; and emphasises the importance of heterogenesis, or the continuous singularisation and opening up of possibilities for existence as a means of resisting the homogenising and destructive ambitions of the modern capitalist state. Ultimately, therefore, the films collectively advocate forms of being that value individuality, coexistence, and innovation; and in this way point towards a totalised means of challenging climate change and other related crises that are caused by contemporary capitalism.