Virilio live : selected interviews

Armitage, John (2001) Virilio live : selected interviews. Sage, London. ISBN 9780761968603

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Abstract

This output introduces CARcentre activities that combine sociological content with fine art processes, and addresses the interdisciplinary opportunities afforded by the creation of the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Armitage, with a background in political theory, focuses his research on Paul Virilio, the French theorist of post-war military technology and space, and the relation of his work to contemporary fine art. The aim is to make Virilio’s ideas understandable to artists interested in the political organisation of territory and the body. The output is a 240 page book, commissioned by Featherstone, of Theory, Culture & Society, Sage Publications’ second-best selling journal. Armitage was asked to edit and introduce the book, contribute two [10k-word] interviews with Virilio and provide a critical bibliography of his writings. Armitage’s field of research parallels the editorial work of Arthur and Marilouise Kroker; and the e-journal ‘Ctheory’; a multi-disciplinary project that addresses the issues of art and technology, with theoretical discourse and curated multimedia pages. Armitage promotes the interview as a research tool; providing direct and succinct commentary to facilitate comprehension and enliven debate. In ‘Virilio Live: Selected Interviews’ several interview transcripts were translated into English for the first time and discussions with curators (e.g. Jerome Sans, Flash Art, and Catherine David, the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art) gave greater context to Virilio’s perspective on the arts. ‘Virilio Live: Selected Interviews’ marks the beginning of Armitage’s engagement with CARcentre researchers (Brettle and Crisp) whose fine art practices respond to the politics of military and institutional power. His expertise in Virilio studies has provided seminar material for MA Arts Practice and fine art practice-led PhD students. In recognition of Armitage’s importance to the interdisciplinary research culture of the School, a research student (Affleck) was employed as his assistant during this project.

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