Nonhuman Subjects: An Ecology of Earth-Beings

The growing movement of indigenous politics, rights of nature, and social movements that utilize rocks, rivers, glaciers, and lakes has brought to light an ecology of nonlife, challenging Western notions of personhood and revealing the subjectivity of beings that are not sentient or alive as biological organisms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The surging wave of indigenous politics, rights of nature, and social movements acting with rocks, rivers, glaciers, and lakes has brought to light an ecology of nonlife. Its protagonists are earth-beings, geobodies that question deep-seated Western notions of personhood. Mountains in the Andes, erratic boulders, a landfill in the Swiss Alps, the sacred stones of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, and the works of contemporary artists who have engaged with nonlife reveal the subjectivity of beings that are not sentient and alive as biological organisms.

The earth-beings, geobodies that emerge from the interplay between rocks, rivers, glaciers, and lakes, challenge the very foundations of Western conceptions of personhood. These geobodies, which exist in the Andes Mountains, erratic boulders, Swiss Alps landfills, and the sacred stones of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, exhibit a profound subjectivity that sets them apart from sentient and alive biological organisms.

In the Andes Mountains, the earth-beings take on the form of towering peaks and rugged landscapes, embodying the raw power and resilience of nature. These geobodies, with their jagged edges and imposing heights, evoke a sense of awe and reverence in those who encounter them. They remind us of the interconnectedness of all things and the profound impact that human actions can have on the natural world.

Similarly, erratic boulders found in the Swiss Alps serve as a reminder of the impermanence and transience of human existence. These geological formations, shaped by natural forces over millions of years, stand in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of human life. They encourage us to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the present moment and to be mindful of the long-term consequences of our actions.

The landfill in the Swiss Alps, on the other hand, represents the human impact on the environment. Despite its technological advancements, human society has failed to address the issue of waste management effectively, leading to the accumulation of waste in landfills. This landfill serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable practices and the importance of responsible consumption.

The sacred stones of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous people who live there. These stones, which have been revered for centuries, represent the connection between humans and the natural world and serve as a symbol of resistance against the destructive practices of the fossil fuel industry.

In contemporary art, artists have explored the realm of nonlife by engaging with rocks, rivers, glaciers, and lakes. These artists use their creative expressions to convey the subjectivity of nonlife and to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing our planet. They create works that blend the natural world with human-made objects, challenging our perceptions of what constitutes art and what it means to be alive.

Through the lens of earth-beings, geobodies, and the works of contemporary artists, we gain a deeper understanding of the ecology of nonlife. These entities remind us of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of respecting and nurturing the natural world. They challenge us to reevaluate our relationship with the environment and to adopt sustainable practices that will ensure a healthy and thriving planet for future generations.

In conclusion, the surging wave of indigenous politics, rights of nature, and social movements acting with rocks, rivers, glaciers, and lakes has brought to light an ecology of nonlife. These earth-beings, geobodies, and contemporary artists reveal the subjectivity of beings that are not sentient and alive as biological organisms. By engaging with nonlife, they challenge our Western notions of personhood and encourage us to adopt sustainable practices that will ensure a healthy and thriving planet for future generations.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009442787