Latour's Critique and Trump's Rise: From Facts to Concerns
In the March 2017 edition of ArtReview, Jonathan TD Neil examines Bruno Latour's 2004 essay questioning the efficacy of critique in contemporary society. He connects Latour's insights about political misrepresentation, particularly following the Iraq War and claims about weapons of mass destruction, to the turbulent political environment under Donald Trump's administration. Neil notes that Trump's public persona, initially perceived as clear-cut through "The Apprentice," has evolved to require more nuanced scrutiny, encompassing themes such as racism and globalism. He advocates for Latour's concept of "matters of concern" as a framework for addressing pressing societal issues of justice and truth.
Key facts
- Essay is by Jonathan TD Neil
- Published in ArtReview, March 2017 issue
- References Bruno Latour's 2004 essay 'Why Has Critique Run Out of Steam?'
- Latour's essay addressed the legacy of critical theory and science studies
- Latour introduced the concept of 'matters of concern' versus 'matters of fact'
- Neil compares Trump to a 'matter of fact' as a TV personality on 'The Apprentice'
- Trump's presidency is seen as requiring explanation via structural forces
- Neil calls for rallying around 'matters of concern' like liberty and justice
Entities
Artists
- Jonathan TD Neil
- Bruno Latour
- Donald Rumsfeld
- Karl Rove
- Bill Clinton
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- ArtReview
Locations
- United States
- Iraq
- New York