Byung-Chul Han's 'La società senza dolore' Critiques Mainstream Art and Digital Society

Philosopher Byung-Chul Han's new book 'La società senza dolore' (Einaudi, 2021) collects pandemic-era reflections, envisioning a 'society of survival' dominated by an 'excess of positivity' manifesting as overperformance, overcommunication, and overstimulation. Han critiques mainstream artists Ai Weiwei and Jeff Koons, accusing Koons of producing sculptures with 'mirror-like smoothness' that seek likes rather than provoking viewers, and Ai Weiwei of packaging morality for social media approval. The book extends Han's previous critiques of love as sexual performance (Eros in agonia, 2013), politics as mere work without action (La società della stanchezza, 2012), and digital transparency as eliminating aura and mystery (L'espulsione dell'altro, 2017). Han diagnoses burnout and depression as consequences of voluntary self-exploitation in a 'society of achievement.' He proposes recovery through rituals that counter excessive self-referentiality (La scomparsa dei riti, 2021) and revitalizing contemplative life (Il profumo del tempo, 2017). The book is published by Einaudi, 96 pages, €13.