Suely Rolnik's 'Spheres of Insurrection' Read Through Material Conditions of Art Practice
On September 8, 2026, Artishock Revista published an essay that delves into Suely Rolnik's 2019 work 'Esferas de la insurrección. Apuntes para descolonizar el inconsciente' from an artistic perspective. The visual artist author investigates Rolnik's differentiation between creativity and the potential for creation, as well as her notion of 'pimping' (cafisheo) by capitalism. Centering on Lygia Clark's 1963 performance 'Caminhando,' the essay reflects on themes of desire and creation. It juxtaposes Rolnik's theories with the realities artists face in earning a living and navigating the art market. The discussion includes concepts like 'intensive resonance' and 'the common,' ultimately emphasizing the importance of adaptability in artistic endeavors.
Key facts
- Essay published on Artishock Revista on September 8, 2026.
- The essay is a reading of Suely Rolnik's 2019 book 'Esferas de la insurrección. Apuntes para descolonizar el inconsciente'.
- The author examines Rolnik's distinction between creativity and the potency of creation.
- Rolnik's concept of 'cafisheo' (pimping) of vital drive by contemporary capitalism is discussed.
- Lygia Clark's 1963 action 'Caminhando' is used as a central image.
- The essay confronts Rolnik's thought with material conditions of artistic practice: time, paid work, art market, institutions.
- The author proposes Rolnik's distinction between negotiable and non-negotiable as a way to think about practice.
- The essay reflects on the construction of 'the common' as collective support for artists' material survival.
- The essay is part of a series of personal reflections on books that accompany the author's artistic processes.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Artishock Revista
- Asociación Cultural Lygia Clark