New materialism

Definition

New materialism is a philosophical and theoretical movement that emphasizes the significance of materiality and the interconnectedness of humans and non-humans in shaping experiences and realities. It challenges traditional dualisms, such as mind/body and nature/culture, suggesting that all entities have agency and influence in the world, which plays a crucial role in understanding contemporary practices, including art and biotechnology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New materialism emerged as a response to post-structuralism and critical theory, focusing on how matter itself influences social relations and cultural practices.
2. In the context of biotechnology and art, new materialism allows for the exploration of how living materials—such as genetically modified organisms—can be integrated into artistic practices.
3. This movement emphasizes the importance of understanding the entanglement between human actions and non-human materials, promoting a more holistic view of creativity and expression.
4. Artists who adopt new materialist perspectives often engage with scientific concepts, blurring the lines between art, science, and technology in their works.
5. New materialism critiques the separation of nature and culture, suggesting that both are co-constitutive; they shape each other continuously through interactions.

Review Questions

• How does new materialism challenge traditional dualisms like mind/body or nature/culture?
  • New materialism challenges traditional dualisms by positing that both humans and non-humans are interconnected and that neither can be fully understood in isolation. This perspective emphasizes that matter itself plays an active role in shaping experiences and realities. By blurring these boundaries, new materialism encourages a more integrated view of existence where agency is shared across entities.
• Discuss how new materialism influences contemporary artistic practices related to biotechnology.
  • New materialism influences contemporary artistic practices by encouraging artists to consider the role of living materials and biotechnological processes as integral components of their work. Artists explore how genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and organic matter interact with cultural narratives, leading to innovative forms of expression. This approach fosters collaborations between artists and scientists, merging artistic creativity with scientific inquiry to challenge conventional boundaries.
• Evaluate the implications of adopting a new materialist perspective for understanding the relationship between humans and technology in art.
  • Adopting a new materialist perspective reshapes our understanding of the relationship between humans and technology by positioning both as active participants in the creative process. It prompts us to reconsider how technological advancements impact artistic expression and how artistic practices can influence technological developments. This interdependence invites critical reflection on ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology, emphasizing the need for responsible engagement with materials that shape our lives.

Related terms

Posthumanism: A philosophical approach that transcends human-centered thinking, recognizing the agency of non-human entities and critiquing anthropocentrism.

Agency: The capacity of an entity, whether human or non-human, to act and exert influence in the world, challenging notions of passivity or determinism.

Biopolitics: A form of politics that focuses on the governance of life and bodies, particularly in relation to biological and health-related issues within society.