Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This essay enquires into the concept of the Neganthropocene, as introduced by Stiegler (2018), positioning it as a transformative discourse in response to the Anthropocene within the realm of contemporary art and technology. The Neganthropocene signifies a profound transition toward cultivating shared emotions and care for our planet. It underscores the reconfiguration of our collective focus and advocates for perspectives that transcend human-centeredness, seamlessly interweaving the human, non-human, and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from this concept, the present study centers on contemporary artists, scrutinizing how their creations embody Neganthropocenic thought, highlighting the interdependence of ecosystems through their technological interventions. By starting from the Neganthropocenic standpoint, this study probes how these artists champion notions of care and vulnerability, accentuating human reliance on the environment. The essay identifies three artistic approaches—manifesting the Symbiocene, addressing the more-than-human, and finally materializing the inhuman nature—as modes of enacting the Neganthropocene, harmonizing technological progress with ecological apprehensions. Through this analysis, the study sheds light on a transformative shift in collective perspective and offers insights into navigating the challenges posed by the Anthropocene in contemporary art experience within the context of contemporary artistic experience.