Arte ou terror

a estetização da política no começo do século XXI

Abstract

This article proposes a critical overview on some aspects of contemporary arts and aesthetics. Through Walter Benjamin’s “Theories of German Fascism”, “Doctrine of the Similar”, and “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” we face a polemic issue presented by Richard Schechner in his conference “5 avant-gardes... or none?”. In his conference Schechner opens space to argue about relating the events occurred in September 11th of 2001 to the concept of art. The concept of art has become so overwhelming relative that proposals like Schechner's seem up-to-date. Though, once we reach conclusions of this nature; an alert seems to sound. Probably very similar to those, Benjamin imagined, would announce the arrival of airplanes filled with deadly gases in the Germany of the 30´s. But in today’s war, who are the winners, and who has been wan? What are the goals of the techniques? Where does the aesthetization of politics lead to? How can art be possible? We investigate how Benjamin’s thoughts about these questions are replaced when related with this present-time
prism.