Utopics, Systems and Landmarks

Utopics, Systems and Landmarks

Edition
English
2009
ISBN: 978-3-03764-056-2
Hardcover, 16 cm x 22 cm
160 pages
181 color / 25 b/w

Published by jrp I editions
Authors: Daniel Birnbaum, Nicolas Bourriaud, Liam Gillick, Simon Lamunière, Stéphanie Moisdon, Chris Sharp
Edited by Simon Lamunière

A glossary

This publication examines the spaces, nations, and communities created by artists or indivuals to develop alternative modes of living. Throughout history individuals have continuously developed systems based on a mix of reality, fiction, and mediatization, create micro-nations, or fight for their existence. All these proposals are simultaneously real and utopic. By inventing identity signs (IDs, flags, constitutions, currencies, etc.), by practicing their beliefs (be it through dance, naturism, terrorism, or collectivism), and by working on the boundaries of reality (parallel worlds, isolationism, new territories, etc.), these proposals are challenging our definitions of normalcy and territoriality. The title “Utopics” is itself the free contraction of utopias, you, topic, topos, and pics.

Conceived as a glossary, the book includes artists such as Le Bélier, Carsten Höller, Clemens von Wedemeyer, Fabrice Gygi, General Idea, Lang/Baumann, Matt Mullican, Mai-Thu Perret, NSK (Irwin), Peter Coffin, Steiner & Lenzlinger, Superflex, as well as intitiatives such as La République Géniale (Robert Filliou), State of Sabotage (Robert Jelinek), micro-nations, L’Ecole de Stéphanie, etc.

Published on the occasion of “Utopics,” summer 2009, Bienne/Biel, in collaboration with the Luma Foundation.

Price: 35 USD
Buy / info