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This workshop reimagines how creativity functions as an expression of energy, one that we can control and purpose for dark and light intentions. Through case studies, thought experiments and storytelling, the workshop questions the role of the artist and attempts to break the word "art" as a cultural misnaming. It shows how art is used for placebo effect, ritual purposes and trojan horse activities within culture.
The ideas, while originating in a long-career within art history and the contemporary art industry, mix together understandings of how new age groups and other pseudoscientific or irrational school of thought have manifested creative energy into objects. This allows a way to critically reflect on how art is then used by propaganda initiatives and other questionably intentioned groups such as covert government activities or NGOs when they create subversive uses of creativity in the name of art.
The entire workshop functions as a journey in storytelling that challenges faith and gives the artist a new understanding of their power within the world through Tactical Media Literacy.
3rd September 15:00-17:30
Session 1 begins a journey to establish how we manifest creative energy within social and cultural frameworks as an artist and an individual. It begins with defining how we broadly understand art’s purpose and function while introducing the definition for this notion of Tactical Media. Neutral ideas of play and playfulness within the creativity will show how energy is treated like a game. This will progress into intention-based notions of how channeling energy and creativity becomes a vehicle for spirituality and a framework for faith in said energy. An anthropological survey of New Age spiritual communities and case studies around divination will guide this portion and give viewers tools for unlocking energy manifestation.
Tactical media is an art of practice. We will end this session with a ritual that uses various methods discussed to produce an energy object. Each participant must bring materials to help this portion.
4th September 15:00-17:30
This session departs from the spiritual to discuss mechanics of perception management and hacks for unlocking subversive opportunities and show how this tactical energy is used for political gain. Subjects such as meme magic, pseudo-ostension, black propaganda, and socially engaged practice from across the political spectrum will be discussed. A workshop portion at the end will encourage students to improvise their own ideas for how to build systems and interventions of tactical media for disrupting consciousness within their own paradigm. Ideas of faith and subversion will be tested.
Aaron Moulton is a curator and anthropologist whose research looks at the ways in which creative expression is purposed and managed by new age communities, the global art world and propaganda initiatives. Having curated over one hundred exhibitions across Europe and North America, Moulton boasts a distinguished career, having served as in-house curator for the global brand Gagosian, senior curator at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art in Salt Lake City, and editor for Flash Art International in Milan. Alongside his wife, he founded Galerie Feinkost in Berlin. He was recently the Head of Exhibitions and Special Projects at the art agency Creator Projects in Copenhagen.
Throughout all aspects of his professional development, Moulton has maintained a keen interest in experimental anthropology and the use of art as a technology. He has worked with an in-depth variety of New Age groups and practitioners across magical and spiritual communities. This network has given him direct access to their sacred artifacts and cultural heritage for study and exhibition-making. His recent research study was an exhibition and publication entitled The Influencing Machine (2022) which charted the impact of the NGO Movement on the visual cultures of Eastern Europe from the 90s to present day. This groundbreaking story is an untold origin story about socially engaged practice, curatorial practice and tactical media. It shows compelling data about art’s role in social engineering and how artists were coercively influenced to become political activists.
Write an email with your name and phonenumber to kurantvisningsrom@gmail.com.
It is mandatory to be available on both workshop days (3rd and 4th september 15:00-17:30). The workshop is held in person, at Kurant Visningsrom, Hansjordnesgata 1B, 9009 Tromsø