Crit Cross #16: Engaging with Theory-Fiction

Engaging with Theory-Fiction: Tjaša Pogačar from Šum

This Crit Cross looks to the European East, with Tjaša Pogačar from Šum, based in Slovenia. Šum is a journal and a platform focusing on contemporary art and theory, established in 2013 by artists and theorists. The conversation, facilitated by Klaus Speidel, could focus on theory-fiction, the form of writing exemplified by Šum, which happens, as Tjaša Pogačar explains, «alongside art» rather than being «about art» like traditional art criticism, as well as collective editing and the wider context of art criticism and art writing.

Crit Cross #16 is organised by Verein K and in partnership with Depot – Kunst und Kommunikation and will take place in English at Depot.

Tjaša Pogačar works as a freelance curator, editor and writer. Her work considers how contemporary art practices are informed by radical transformations that new technologies bring to our socio-economic reality and ecological systems, and what challenges these encounters present for curatorial and institutional practice. She frames this inquiry against the backdrop of industrialization and chemical alteration of the planet to examine also how they entwine with and condition our embodiment. She is also a co-founder and editor in chief of Ljubljana based ŠUM journal focused on art, philosophy and theory-fiction.

Works by ŠUM:
-> Enea Kavčič’s “A Peculiar Transformation” is from a recent issue of Šum journal and serves as a good examle of a “theory-fictional” text in Šum
-> The plaza protocol platform is run by Šum and Projekt Atol Institut. It includes theoretical and theory-fictional texts (commissioned and edited by ŠUM)

Further Readings:
-> Gregory Marks “Theory-fiction” list of references
-> Simon O’Sullivan’s “Art Practice as Fictioning” is a good start for thinking about the relationship between fiction and art

Admission according to the Covid rules that are relevant at the time of the meeting.

Crit Cross #16 is supported by the City of Vienna and 7. District of Vienna.