Text\Werk (German edition): Lekturen zu Hito Steyerl

The reader TEXT WERK explores the relationship between Hito Steyerl's artistic and academic-essayistic works, including their influence on her films and videos, and the current conditions of art reception in pandemic times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

TEXT WERK is a comprehensive anthology that explores the multifaceted artistic and academic-essayistic works of the renowned media artist, director, and author Hito Steyerl. This insightful collection brings together scholarly contributions from various disciplines, including media, theatre, cultural studies, and art history, to provide a comprehensive analysis of Steyerl's central artistic aspect. The anthology delves into the intricate relationship between Steyerl's writing and her films and videos, exploring how these artistic mediums influence and shape her textual and exhibition practices.

In the interdisciplinary realm of media, theatre, cultural studies, and art history, TEXT WERK offers a groundbreaking exploration of Hito Steyerl's artistic oeuvre. This anthology provides the first comprehensive analysis of Steyerl's writing, exploring how it inscribes itself into her films and videos, and subsequently influences her textual and exhibition practices.

Furthermore, TEXT WERK addresses the current conditions of art reception in the context of pandemic times, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that artists face during these unprecedented times. The publication is the result of a collaborative digital workshop held in November 2020, in partnership between the DFG Research Training Group "The Documentary. Excess and Deprivation" at the Universities of Bochum and Düsseldorf, as well as the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen.

The anthology comprises a diverse range of essays and critical perspectives, authored by esteemed scholars and experts in their respective fields. Each contribution offers a unique perspective on Steyerl's work, shedding light on its artistic significance, theoretical underpinnings, and cultural relevance. The authors employ a range of analytical approaches, including close readings, cultural analysis, and theoretical frameworks, to unravel the complexities of Steyerl's artistic practice.

One of the key themes explored in TEXT WERK is the relationship between language, power, and representation. Steyerl's writing is characterized by its use of irony, humor, and subversion, as she challenges dominant narratives and power structures. Through her films and videos, Steyerl employs visual and auditory elements to create immersive experiences that engage the viewer on multiple levels, encouraging them to question their assumptions and engage with complex social and political issues.

Another notable aspect of Steyerl's work is her exploration of the role of technology and media in shaping contemporary culture. She critically examines the ways in which digital technologies have transformed the production, distribution, and consumption of art, and how these changes have impacted the ways in which we perceive and interpret the world. Steyerl's films and videos often incorporate multimedia elements, such as video installations, interactive projections, and social media platforms, to create dynamic and interactive experiences that blur the boundaries between the physical and digital realms.

The anthology also includes case studies that examine specific works by Steyerl, such as "How to Disappear Completely," "The Whiteness of the Eye," and "I Am a Chinese Artist." These case studies provide in-depth analyses of Steyerl's artistic approach, her use of language and imagery, and the broader social and political contexts in which her work is situated. The authors offer insightful interpretations of these works, highlighting their relevance to contemporary debates and discussions about identity, representation, and power.

In conclusion, TEXT WERK is a groundbreaking anthology that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of Hito Steyerl's artistic and academic-essayistic works. Through its diverse contributions, the anthology provides valuable insights into the relationship between writing, film, video, and exhibition practices, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by artists in pandemic times. This publication is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art, media, and cultural studies, as it offers a rich and thought-provoking perspective on the work of one of the most influential artists of our time.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775751889