“Critical art is an art that aims to produce a new perception of the world, and therefore to create a commitment to its transformation. This schema, very simple in appearance, is actually the conjunction of three processes: first, the production of a sensory form of 'strangeness'; second, the development of an awareness of the reason for that strangeness and third, a mobilization of individuals as a result of that awareness.”
In this quote, Jacques Ranciere explores the concept of critical art and its transformative power. He breaks down this process into three key components: creating a sense of unfamiliarity or "strangeness" through artistic expression, fostering an understanding of the reasons behind this strangeness, and ultimately mobilizing individuals to take action based on this newfound awareness. Ranciere emphasizes the potential for art to challenge and reshape our perceptions of the world, inspiring us to actively participate in its evolution. This analysis underscores the importance of art as a catalyst for social change and cultural transformation.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the concept of critical art, as described by Jacques Ranciere, holds significant relevance. As we navigate through complex social, political, and environmental issues, art has the power to challenge our perceptions and spark a commitment to change. Ranciere's framework of creating a sensory form of 'strangeness' followed by an awareness of the reason for that strangeness, leading to mobilization, can serve as a guide for artists and viewers alike to engage in meaningful dialogue and action.
"Critical art is an art that aims to produce a new perception of the world, and therefore to create a commitment to its transformation. This schema, very simple in appearance, is actually the conjunction of three processes: first, the production of a sensory form of 'strangeness'; second, the development of an awareness of the reason for that strangeness and third, a mobilization of individuals as a result of that awareness." - Jacques Ranciere
“Art was as much in the activity as in the results. Works of art were not just the finished product, but the thought, the action, the process that created them.”
“Revolutionary art need not be overtly political in content; what is more important is that it demand a new means of perception on the part of its spectators. The subject in process/on trial can thus be fundamentally transformed. Change here, at the level of individual consciousness, is a necessary element of social change. Seen in this way, the arts are not merely reflective of social relations but are productive of social relations.”
“Any form of art can only develop by means of single mutations by individual creators. If only traditional conventions are used an art will die, and the widening of an art form is bound to seem strange at first, and awkward. Any growing thing must go through awkward stages. The creator who is misunderstood because of his breach of convention may say to himself, 'I seem strange to you, but anyway I am alive.”
“Simple perception then is a fallacy. Besides the conscious prejudices that we are aware of imposing on the world, there are a thousand subconscious prejudices that we assume to be actuality.”
“Since extra-sensory perception (ESP) is awareness of the world beyond the senses, it would be inappropriate to term this Sixth Sense ‘extrasensory’.”