Alienation Effects

Set in the 1970s, Alienation Effects explores the intersection of art and political economy in Yugoslavia, revealing complex cultural dynamics.

In the 1970s, Yugoslavia became a vibrant hub for conceptual and performance art, coinciding with its unique approach to political economy through socialist self-management. The book Alienation Effects examines the intricate relationship between the democratization of the arts and the principles of industrial democracy, highlighting a cultural landscape that defies easy categorization. It challenges the prevailing notion that Eastern European art prior to 1989 was strictly divided into 'official' or 'dissident' categories, suggesting instead that the disintegration of Yugoslavia stemmed from the erosion of self-management ideals rather than deep-seated ethnic animosities.

Through a series of compelling case studies, Alienation Effects explores significant events such as mass performances during state holidays, the groundbreaking 1954 staging of Waiting for Godot in a former concentration camp in Belgrade, and the student protests of 1968. Additionally, it delves into the body art of renowned artists like Gina Pane, Joseph Beuys, and Marina Abramovic. This analysis not only illuminates the contributions of these figures but also emphasizes the need for a broader recognition of the performance and conceptual artists who have shaped this dynamic period.

Ultimately, Alienation Effects offers fresh perspectives on the work of influential artists and theorists, including early experimental poetry by Slavoj Žižek. By doing so, it invites readers to reassess the rich tapestry of artistic expression that emerged in a time of political and social upheaval.