Posthumanism in Practice

Problematic assumptions about humans' uniqueness and separation from animals, plants, and microbes underpin scientific investigation, arts practice, curation, education, and research. Posthumanism challenges these perspectives and explores how we can think, create, and live in a posthuman world. This book showcases how artists, researchers, educators, and curators have developed and responded to posthumanist ideas, providing examples and insights for further exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Problematic assumptions that regard humans as exceptional and readily distinguishable from animals, plants, and microorganisms, both consciously and unconsciously, serve as the foundation for scientific inquiry, artistic practice, curation, education, and research across the social sciences and humanities. This is particularly true in the traditions that originate from European and Enlightenment philosophies. Posthumanism challenges these conventional humanist perspectives and critically examines their profound influence on how we perceive ourselves, our position in the world, and our responsibility in safeguarding it.

In Posthumanism in Practice, artists, researchers, educators, and curators explore how they have developed and responded to posthumanist ideas within their respective fields of the arts, sciences, and humanities. Through examples and insights, the book showcases how posthumanist thought can transcend theory, inform action, and generate new artefacts, effects, and methods that are more relevant and valuable for the realities of life in the 21st century. By capturing these ideas, Posthumanism in Practice demonstrates how posthumanist thought can move beyond mere speculation and become a practical tool for understanding and navigating the complexities of our world.

The book's chapters are organized into three sections: "Posthumanist Concepts and Practices," "Artistic and Scientific Responses," and "Educational and Curation Practices." In the first section, posthumanist concepts such as biopolitics, technoscience, and animal studies are introduced and discussed. Artists and researchers explore how these concepts have influenced their work, challenging traditional humanist narratives and creating new ways of understanding and experiencing the world.

The second section showcases artistic and scientific responses to posthumanism. Artists employ various mediums, including sculpture, installation, performance, and digital art, to explore the boundaries between human and nonhuman entities. Scientists, on the other hand, employ cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to investigate the complexities of life, such as genetics, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. The chapters in this section provide insights into how posthumanist ideas can be translated into practical applications and how they can shape our understanding of the world.

The third section focuses on educational and curatorial practices that incorporate posthumanist ideas. Educators explore how posthumanist perspectives can be integrated into curriculum design and teaching strategies to promote critical thinking and empathy. Curators, in turn, explore how posthumanist ideas can be presented and interpreted in museums and art galleries to engage a broader audience. The chapters in this section provide practical examples and insights into how posthumanism can be effectively communicated and disseminated.

In conclusion, Posthumanism in Practice offers a comprehensive exploration of posthumanism and its implications for how we think, create, and live. By challenging traditional humanist perspectives and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the world, the book provides valuable insights and examples for artists, researchers, educators, and curators. As we navigate the rapidly changing realities of the 21st century, posthumanism offers a framework for reimagining our relationships with other species, technology, and the environment. By embracing posthumanist ideas, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all life.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350293809