Simon O'Sullivan Explores Fictioning and Mythotechnesis in New Book on Art and Philosophy

Simon O'Sullivan, a writer, artist, and philosopher, has published a new book titled 'From Magic and Myth Work To Care and Repair' through Goldsmiths Press. The work delves into the concept of 'fictioning,' which examines how fictions shape reality, drawing on ideas from his 2019 collaboration with artist David Burrows, 'Fictioning: The Myth-Functions of Contemporary Art and Philosophy.' O'Sullivan's intellectual framework integrates French post-structuralism, neuroscience, and countercultural practices, referencing figures like Gilles Deleuze, Felix Guattari, Robert Smithson, Sun Ra, and William Burroughs. He explores 'mythotechnesis' as a means to envision alternative futures through human-machine collaborations, while cautioning against corporate co-optation, as seen in tech industry alignments with science fiction authors. The book addresses the 'post-truth' era, highlighting reactionary uses of fiction by groups like the alt-right in meme warfare, and advocates for fictioning practices that foster diverse communities and care. O'Sullivan's essays position art-making as a 'mythopoetic' practice, using devices to transform subjectivity and resist restrictive identity narratives, informed by psychoanalysis, magic, and Buddhist thought. The interview, conducted by ArtReview, underscores the urgency of these themes in contemporary political and artistic discourse.