On intellectual prostitution and performative art

Abstract

This contribution is about the example of the urban artistic campaign 'Intellectual Whores', which is taking place in the framework of the 17th Performa as a part of the European Capital of Culture. It treats upon the fate of present-day intellectual labour and artistic creativity. Against the backdrop of the identity revitalization of degraded parts of urban centres, the campaign reflects upon the relation of artistic form through an economic model. In so doing, it emphasizes antagonism and seeks alternative forms of participation and collaboration, which, instead of being based on a non-problematic belonging to a temporary group, are based on disturbance and tension. In addition to pointing out the meaning of urban public spaces, the campaign sets up a mirror for society in which disturbance and tension are concentrated into political potential.