A Theory of Assembly: From Museums to Memes

Digital and social media have transformed the palette of expressive strategies, with assembly being one of the most powerful and pervasive cultural forms in the digital era. Kyle Parry argues that assembly does not so much narrate or represent the world as rearrange it, and can take place at any scale. Examples range from GIFs and paintings to museum exhibitions and social movement hashtags. Parry emphasizes the ambivalence of assembly, which can be both emancipatory and antidemocratic. A Theory of Assembly is a playbook of strategies and critical frameworks for artists, activists, and content creators committed to social and environmental justice, arguing for a collective reenvisioning of which cultural forms matter.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Digital and social media have revolutionized the way we communicate, but they have also reshaped the range of expressive strategies available to citizens, activists, and artists. Among these strategies, storytelling and representation are most familiar. In his book "A Theory of Assembly," Kyle Parry argues that one of the most powerful and pervasive cultural forms in the digital era is assembly.

Whether through subtle photographic sequences, satirical Venn diagrams, or networked archives, assembly-based projects do not merely narrate or represent the world but rather rearrange it. This rearrangement can occur at various scales, from a single person pairing images to the entire history of internet memes created by millions. Parry showcases how assembly has become equally influential and widespread as narrative and representation in the internet age, particularly in responding to ecological and social violence. He also highlights the ambivalence of assembly, as it can be both emancipatory and antidemocratic.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, automated, and algorithm-driven, the need to map and reimagine the powers and perils of assembly becomes more urgent. "A Theory of Assembly" is an interdisciplinary, engaging, and experimental book that serves as a playbook of strategies and critical frameworks for artists, activists, and content creators committed to social and environmental justice. It ultimately advocates for a collective reimagining of which cultural forms matter.

The book's cover features letters from the title that appear in a circular formation, symbolizing the interconnectedness and collective nature of assembly. The use of bold colors and typography adds visual interest and emphasizes the book's relevance to the digital age. Overall, "A Theory of Assembly" is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of cultural expression in the digital era.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517913151