Theses On Rearguard
There are many theses of "vanguards" playing on the ambiguity of modernity. But here i propose a thesis on "rearguard". This should be seen as a cultural-practical conceptualization that is working on an idea of history that takes the residue seriously and has the ability to see the fire of a pyre, not just the ash and burnt wood.
"Rearguard" takes the offensive of capital as given. The mad and dynamic expansion and intensification is given. It is not amazed or disoriented by it. Nor does it need corpses and debris in higher numbers to prove that same point over and over again. It takes the world of euphoria and cruelty for granted. It knows that it is important to not only interpret but also to change the world and also that an unexamined life is not worth living. It works between these knowledges. It acknowledges both these impulses and then decides how to act and think.
"Rearguard" takes the offensive of capital as given. The mad and dynamic expansion and intensification is given. It is not amazed or disoriented by it. Nor does it need corpses and debris in higher numbers to prove that same point over and over again. It takes the world of euphoria and cruelty for granted. It knows that it is important to not only interpret but also to change the world and also that an unexamined life is not worth living. It works between these knowledges. It acknowledges both these impulses and then decides how to act and think.
"Rearguard" is a space. A space of nurturing the recalcitrant and the potential. It knows that all forms of one-dimensional lives and practices are life threatening, colonizing and denigrative of other forms, practices and lives. That historical lesson it has learnt...
"Rearguard" is an optic. The optic to stare hard at the actual, and knowingly play with the images that make the actual unattainable. The image of things and relationships is not a distraction but a site for thought and play on seduction, allure and grandeur. Ephemerality and Eternal do not trouble it. It knows it is itself an after-image of the left overs after a grand long march of "wage + body = life". It is not unhappy to work with crumbs.
"Rearguard" is an attitude. To know that we live with the "future dead" and "living dead". It know that despair is the swansong of a meaningfully productive life today. Despair is the ruling religion. It is without redemption. It knows that progress makes us walk with head bowed down and smirks hidden. It knows the comical play where all want to be in a win-win situation with no one, yet, as winner. It is not afraid of the crematorium or the cemetery. It knows if the hunted do not run, the hunter loses the passion for the hunt.
"Rearguard" is a practice. It knows that in order to survive there is the need for many "do-it-yourself" tools. It like a craftsman and builds them. It knows that is through multiplication in diverse paths and forms that one can breathe within debris. It takes this agility, porosity and masking as a site for discovery, exploration and connection.
"Rearguard" is a refusal. It refuses to be a foot soldier in the inter galactic-al war of emerging and emerged, heroes and anti-heroes. It refuses to rise with the calls of great belongings.
"Rearguard" is an optic. The optic to stare hard at the actual, and knowingly play with the images that make the actual unattainable. The image of things and relationships is not a distraction but a site for thought and play on seduction, allure and grandeur. Ephemerality and Eternal do not trouble it. It knows it is itself an after-image of the left overs after a grand long march of "wage + body = life". It is not unhappy to work with crumbs.
"Rearguard" is an attitude. To know that we live with the "future dead" and "living dead". It know that despair is the swansong of a meaningfully productive life today. Despair is the ruling religion. It is without redemption. It knows that progress makes us walk with head bowed down and smirks hidden. It knows the comical play where all want to be in a win-win situation with no one, yet, as winner. It is not afraid of the crematorium or the cemetery. It knows if the hunted do not run, the hunter loses the passion for the hunt.
"Rearguard" is a practice. It knows that in order to survive there is the need for many "do-it-yourself" tools. It like a craftsman and builds them. It knows that is through multiplication in diverse paths and forms that one can breathe within debris. It takes this agility, porosity and masking as a site for discovery, exploration and connection.
"Rearguard" is a refusal. It refuses to be a foot soldier in the inter galactic-al war of emerging and emerged, heroes and anti-heroes. It refuses to rise with the calls of great belongings.
comments
inder salim
@ 22.07.2007 17:15 CESTlittle by little i being to understand what ur want to say
it is good.
saw THE LETTER... by Raqs at Nature Mort, quite poetic and profound
love
is
add a comment
This blog is gravatar enabled.
Your email adress will never be published.
Comment spam will be deleted!