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Laurie Anderson's Instrumental Inventions Question Marxist Art Theory

publication · 2026-04-23

A critical essay in Artpress examines how Laurie Anderson's musical performances challenge Marxist cultural theories that posit an ideal balance between artist and machine. The article argues that such frameworks fail to address contemporary art where technology plays a central role. Anderson's work as a performer-inventor of instruments exemplifies this shift, foregrounding the messy, embodied relationship between human and machine rather than a harmonious mastery. The piece was published in the December 2002 issue of Artpress and is available as a PDF download.

Key facts

  • The essay critiques Marxist cultural theories for assuming an ideal balance between artist and machine.
  • Laurie Anderson's musical performances involve inventing instruments.
  • The article argues that Marxist frameworks cannot address contemporary art where machines are central.
  • Anderson's work exemplifies a performer's relationship with invented instruments.
  • The essay was published in Artpress in December 2002.
  • The full article is available as a PDF download.

Entities

Artists

  • Laurie Anderson

Institutions

  • Artpress

Sources