Immediacy, or The Style of Too Late Capitalism

The contemporary cultural style, influenced by our current economic conditions of disintermediation, prioritizes transparency and instantaneity. Immediacy acknowledges the loss of mediation in aesthetics and seeks to intensify circulation through the surge of realness. However, this focus on speedy circulation grinds art down to the nub, and political turmoil and social challenges require more mediation. The book offers alternative forms in photography, TV, novels, and constructive theory that prioritize distance, impersonality, and big ideas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

The cultural style of the contemporary era is characterized by a heightened emphasis on transparency and instantaneity, which are influenced by the prevailing economic conditions of disintermediation. This trend, reminiscent of platforms like Uber, seeks to eliminate the intermediaries and streamline processes, particularly in the realm of art. Immediacy is a term coined to describe this aesthetic approach, as it seeks to make sense of the compromises that arise in the context of twenty-first-century capitalism, where the demands of rapid circulation often overshadow the preservation of aesthetics.

The surge of realness as an aesthetic program aligns with the economic imperative to intensify circulation when production stagnates. The concept of flow, a ubiquitous buzzword in the twenty-first century, emphasizes the importance of seamless and uninterrupted movement. However, this emphasis on speed can lead to the dilution and commodification of art, as it reduces it to mere spectacle. The unfortunate reality is that political turmoil and social challenges necessitate increased mediation, yet our dominant cultural style tends to forego these essential elements.

Collective will, inspiring ideas, and deliberate construction are the keys to navigating these challenges effectively. However, our current cultural inclination towards immersion and the intolerance of representation hinder our ability to cultivate these qualities. Immediacy aims to shed light on the recent obsession with immersion and the contemporary disdain for representation, providing insights into alternative forms in photography, television, novels, and constructive theory that prioritize distance, impersonality, and big ideas. By exploring these alternatives, we can strive for a cultural landscape that fosters deeper understanding, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 140 x 211 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804291344