Jacques Rancière's New Book Criticized for Eurocentric Modernism Review Amid Contemporary Debates
In his 2021 work 'Tempos modernos – arte, tempo, política,' published by N-1, Jacques Rancière critiques modernism, particularly through the lens of white, male authors from Europe and America, which has drawn criticism for its lack of diversity. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the current art world’s emphasis on inclusion and anti-racism. The book features four essays from 2015, created before the emergence of movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. In Brazil, its publication coincides with the centennial of the 1922 Semana de Arte Moderna, sparking conversations about inclusivity. Rancière delves into themes of emancipation and reevaluates the concept of linear time in modernity, referencing Chaplin's 'Modern Times' and discussing dance and cinema, including works by Dziga Vertov, John Ford, and Pedro Costa.
Key facts
- Jacques Rancière's book 'Tempos modernos – arte, tempo, política' was published in 2021 by editora N-1.
- The book revisits modernism using only references to white, male European and American authors.
- It assembles four texts, mostly from 2015, a period preceding major cultural shifts like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.
- The release coincides with Brazilian reflections on the 100th anniversary of the 1922 Semana de Arte Moderna.
- Rancière problematizes the modern as 'building a new common sense, a new sensible fabric.'
- Two essays focus on dance and cinema, discussing figures like Mary Wigman, Lucinda Childs, Dziga Vertov, John Ford, and Pedro Costa.
- The title references Charles Chaplin's film 'Modern Times.'
- Rancière's earlier work 'A partilha do sensível – estética e política' was published in Brazil in 2005.
Entities
Artists
- Jacques Rancière
- Mary Wigman
- Lucinda Childs
- Dziga Vertov
- John Ford
- Pedro Costa
- Charles Chaplin
Institutions
- N-1
Locations
- Brazil